We visit the optometrist once per year to ensure we can read thanks to glasses, but there’s more to eye care than that. In fact, how much do you really know about caring for your eyes? If it isn’t much, check out the tips below to learn all you can today.

Don’t smoke. You probably already know that there are many serious dangers related to cigarette smoking. One of the less-known dangers is developing Age-related Macular Degeneration(AMD). Several scientific studies have shown that the patients who did smoke were much more likely to develop AMD than those who didn’t smoke. Just another reason not to start smoking or to quit today.

Cucumbers are great for healing puffy eyes. Cut a couple slices and place them on each eye, and rest for about 20 minutes. When you get up, your eyes will be refreshed and feel better. Do this as needed, and you will keep the area surrounding your eyes looking healthy and young.

Make sure you always have adequate lighting when you work or read. Your eyes will be straining all the time if you’re trying to see things without sufficient illumination in the room. Over time, this can cause serious damage. Increase your wattage or the number of lighting fixtures in any given room to solve the problem.

If you work in an environment where particles or objects may become airborne, wear safety goggles. Though many construction sites require them, other professions may not. Look around at your work environment. Consider how the various objects may encounter your eyes. If you perceive potential danger, purchase a pair of safety glasses.

When you are reading, make sure that you have adequate lighting. Reading in low light can cause your eyes to strain unnecessarily. This can lead to eye discomfort and potential problems. Read by a window that provides bright light, or turn on more lights indoors when you are reading at night.

It’s a good idea to have plenty of saline solution on hand. Many people wear protective goggles to shield their eyes at work. However, most people aren’t going to wear goggles when they’re just cleaning around the home. If something gets in your eye, like soap, make sure to wash it out with a saline solution.

Every eight weeks, your makeup needs replacing. It can build up bacteria. After awhile, you’re rubbing brushes bathed in bacteria around your face and eyes. The eye and skin can be damaged.

To soothe puffy eyes, place a slice of a cold cucumber on top of each eyelid. The coolness from the cucumber slices will calm the puffiness and give your eyes relief. Leave the slices on your eyes for about ten minutes before you sleep at night to reduce minor inflammation.

When reading or using a computer, incorporate occasional eye exercises. This is as simple as looking away from your target and blinking rapidly. Then, close your eyes and roll them in both a counter-clockwise and clockwise direction. Make sure to breathe deeply while doing so to help bring more oxygen to the capillaries of the eyes.

Cucumber slices are a good remedy to place on top of puffy swollen eyes to prevent water retention. Cut a cold cucumber into quarter inch slices, then place them onto your eyelids and close your eyes for 10 minutes while you relax. Applying a small green tea back which you had soaked in cool water can also reduce the inflammation and puffiness.

If you wear eye glasses, be sure you still visit your eye doctor at least once a year. It is very possible for your glasses to stop doing their job; chances are, you will realize this is the case when you begin having vision issues. Your doctor may have to give you new glasses or adjust the ones you already have.

Practice good makeup hygiene. Makeup worn on and around the eyes, particularly mascara, can be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you want to ensure that your eyes stay clear and free from infection, take a few precautions. Mascara should be tossed after three months. In addition, avoid putting liner inside of the eyelash. This can block the oil glands necessary to keep your eyes protected.

It can be tempting to purchase cheap make-up, as many of the well-known brands are quite expensive. However, it is best to pay a little more for quality. Some cheap eye shadows and liners have led to swelling and itching. You just don’t want to take that chance with your eyes.

It is important that you visit your optometrist every year to check your vision, but you should also be checking into the health of your eyes. Learning about eye care today will ensure your eyes serve you well tomorrow. Be sure to make use of every tip so you can see the great results.

Read This For All Of Your Eye Care Needs was originally published on Spring