Sound eye care practices are something to which each of us needs to pay serious attention. Failing to properly care for our eyes can result in very severe consequences, not to mention expense. However by studying the information and advice presented below, it is possible for everyone to get the eye care required to stay healthy.

You should wear sunglasses as often as possible. Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement, they’re a source of much-needed protection from the sun. Sunglasses block Ultra-Violet radiation, which can cause serious and long-term damage to the eye. Sunglasses can even prevent wrinkles and cancer from forming around the eye!

If you are in the market for a new pair of glasses, you can often find cheap yet stylish frames online. Some places even offer a pair free or discounted if you are a new customer. All you need is your vision acuity number that you receive from having an eye test performed.

People who wear contacts need to take particularly good care of their eyes. While contacts are very useful for vision, if the materials are not properly cleaned and maintained, it can be potentially damaging to eyes. Make sure your contacts are the right prescription and that you follow all instructions provided by your health care professional.

Not all sunglasses are equal and some may do little to protect your eyes. You should choose a pair that offers protection from UVA rays, as well as UVB rays. You can even find fashionable options, but not all of these are well-made.

If you suffer with red puffy eyes a lot, consider reducing your sodium intake. Unfortunately, the salt we enjoy on our food isn’t all that good for our bodies, including the eyes. Try switching to sea salt instead, or using other herb and spice mixtures that contain no sodium at all. Your eyes should improve quickly.

Use a cotton wool pad soaked in a solution of rose water and a couple of drops of castor oil. When you place these pads on the eyelids, you can reduce the effects of eye burn. Other irritating issues with your eyes can be diminished or avoided using this method as well.

Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. If you’re looking for another excuse to drink coffee in the morning, then you’ve found one. Studies have shown that drinking one or two cups of coffee each morning can actually help replenish tears that help keep eyes moist. Keep the limit at two cups or you’ll do more damage than good.

In order to minimize eye stress, take breaks when you have to spend long periods of time working in front of a computer. Even taking a two-minute break every half hour makes a huge difference when it comes to the toll that the work takes on your eyes, and you will be more productive.

You want to get new makeup every couple of months. Makeup builds up bacteria. After a couple of months, you are just rubbing bacteria around your eyes. This will damage your eyes and the surrounding tissue.

People who have allergies often have red and itchy eyes. Be careful to avoid rubbing them because that will only make the problem worse. If you have seasonal allergies you can take medication to prevent the symptoms, and you can also use allergen-reducing eye drops. Make sure to follow the directions for the eye drops to avoid future problems.

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.

Stay active. You may not associate exercise with eye health, but the truth is, it increases circulation. That means there is often less pressure in the eyes. Plus, if you are in tune with your body, you will often know when something does not feel right. Get yourself checked out if you have any concerns.

If you want to maintain your eyes healthy and you are a smoker, quit smoking. Smokers are more prone to getting optic nerve damage, macular degeneration and cataracts. If you have attempted to quit smoking before and have failed, keep trying. If you need extra motivation, think about the damage smoking can do to your eyes.

Get a yearly physical. There are a number of diseases, like diabetes, that can affect the eyes down the road. Therefore, an early diagnosis is crucial, so that you receive the care you need from the very beginning. Also, watch your cholesterol and blood pressure. They can also affect your eyes.

Nobody should neglect the health and well-being of their eyes. Being able to see clearly and avoid possible health complications are priorities we all ought to have. The good news is that heeding the guidance found above is a great way to ensure that proper eye care is something within everybody’s reach.

See Clearer Than Ever With These Top Eye Care Tips was originally published on Spring