Learn to Love Your Eyes This Valentines With These 9 Self-care Tips

It is nearly Valentine’s Day  on Feb. 14. On this special day we express love  to others by giving gifts, flowers, cards, sweets or other tokens of affection. But Valentine’s Day can also be a time to focus on self-care. If you don’t love yourself it is hard to love others.

Part of my own self-care ritual is  paying close attention to my eyes. So, when I read this article from Downtown Eyes , a privately owned optometric practice in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I thought it would be perfect  for this special occasion and listed their tips here. As we celebrate the day of love, read these 9 ways to love up on your eyes.

1. Practice Good Hygiene

The areas around your eyes are among the most delicate regions of your body. They require special attention due to their thinness. Only use mild cleansing products on cotton balls or pads for removing makeup and dirt around the eyes. Always be gentle to avoid irritation and keep your lashes healthy.

I don’t wear  makeup but  follow these tips when applying my facial cleanser and moisterizer. In addition, I practice self-care by maintaining my ocular lenses.

2. Make Time for Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams can help in the early detection and treatment of vision problems. They allow your eye doctor to determine if you need to update your prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. A comprehensive eye examination can also catch early signs of health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Now that I am totally blind I don’t need an exam every year. Instead, I see my eye doctor every two years. I wear ocular lenses and get them cleaned and adjusted annually.

3. Wear UV-Blocking Eyewear

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can hurt the cornea, retina, lens and lids. It can contribute to the development of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and  other eye problems. When going outdoors, don’t forget to wear UV-blocking sunglasses.

For those of us with vision loss, sunglasses  are more than protection from the sun. They can also be used  to decrease light sensitivity, provide physical protection from objects  or as a way to communicate blindness.

4. Eat a Balanced Diet

What you eat can impact your eye health. In your diet include foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Add plenty of leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables to your daily meals. For instance, kale, spinach and Swiss chard are good sources of lutein. This antioxidant can help reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. There is also evidence that foods rich in vitamins C and A have beneficial effects on eye health. It’s the same for salmon, sardines, soybeans, nuts and other foods high in essential fatty acids.

You won’t get push back from me on this tip. I am in full agreement. I try and eat this way for overall health benefits not just for my eyes.

5. Choose Eyewear That You Love

You can express your style through your eyeglasses. Besides improving your vision, your glasses can make you look attractive because they accentuate the beauty of your eyes. They can also make you look more elegant and smarter. Just be sure that the frames you choose complement the shape of your face.

Before I started wearing ocular lenses I intentionally  selected fashionable sunglasses. I had a red pair and one with sparkly encrusted diamonds on the corners. All to express my sense of style.

6. Take a Break From Screens

Many of today’s jobs and careers require people to stare at screens for extended periods. Unfortunately, using digital devices for too long can cause digital eye strain. Among its symptoms are blurred vision, eye fatigue, neck and shoulder pain, headaches and dry eyes.

You can alleviate discomfort from prolonged exposure to digital screens by taking frequent breaks throughout the day. Try the 20-20-20 rule, where for every 20 minutes, you take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. Make a conscious effort to blink while using the computer to avoid dry eyes. Proper seating posture and good lighting can also help you get relief from digital eye strain.

7. Get Enough Sleep

Sufficient rest is essential to good eye health. Sleep deprivation can cause your eyes to produce insufficient quality tears, resulting in dry eyes. It can increase your risk for eye infections and cause light sensitivity. Eye spasms and blurred vision are also usual consequences of lack of sleep.

Aim to sleep for at least seven hours a day. It will help to avoid caffeine around six hours before bedtime. Digital screens can disrupt sleep, so it is best to stop using them an hour before sleep. Instead of scrolling through your phone, you can try reading. Another thing that can help you sleep better at night is regular exercise.

8. Quit Smoking

You are up to four times more likely to develop eye diseases if you are a smoker. Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals in cigarettes can cause direct damage to the retina and other vital parts of the eyes. Smoking increases your risk for macular degeneration, cataracts and other vision-threatening conditions. Quitting this poor habit is significantly beneficial to your overall health.

9. Keep Track of Vision Changes

If you notice changes in your vision, don’t wait long before scheduling an eye exam. Let your eye doctor know about sudden changes in your sight or if you’re experiencing discomfort. Eye care professionals will thoroughly assess your eyes, provide a proper diagnosis and recommend adequate treatment.