When it comes to the sense of sight, nothing else compares. Being able to see the leaves change color or the face of a loved one is so important to us all. If you want to keep your eyes in tip top condition, the eye care tips found below will help.

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.

Find out if your family has any history with eye problems, because diagnosing conditions early will help treat them more effectively. Some conditions are hereditary and should be taken into account. Becoming aware of these conditions can help you seek treatment earlier.

Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes hydrated. Your eyes are made mostly of water, and they need to stay moist at all times to remain healthy. Dry eyes are more prone to eye problems and diseases. Keeping your body fully hydrated will ensure that your eyes stay moisturized.

Not all sunglasses work the same. You want to make sure that you can block the UV rays completely. If you choose glasses for fashion, make sure they are not cheap, because they might harm your vision.

You may not realize this but what you eat may prevent certain issues with your eyes. Studies have shown that eating foods that are abundant in Vitamins E and C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent macular degeneration, cataracts, and other maladies. Beans, nuts, oranges, tuna, leafy vegetables, and salmon all contain these nutrients.

If you want to ensure that your eyes aren’t puffy, put your eye gels and creams in the fridge. This coolness will help to reduce inflammation, plus it will feel great when you put it on. Be sure to use your gel or cream every day for optimal results.

Always wear safety goggles when coming in contact with hazardous materials, regardless of if you are at work or at home. It is best to keep a pair of these goggles in both locations, just in case you are faced with a situation where you need them. Do not take the safety of your eyes for granted.

Staring at the computer often can damage the lining of your eyes. If your eyes feel dry, try blinking more often. Also, cut back on the glare on your screen. If need be, you can purchase an anti-glare screen. Also, ensure that your computer is set so that your eyes are even with the monitor top. You want to be looking down when you view your screen.

Make sure you have good light when you are reading, especially if the book you are reading has fine print. Although your eyes will not be damaged by reading in dim light, the eye strain it causes will make your eyes feel tired. You should take a break occasionally while reading, especially if your eyes begin to feel tired.

Keep water or a cool, damp cloth handy while working on your computer. As you focus on the computer, strain sets in easily. If you dab your eyes with water or a cool cloth, you can relieve the strain and help cool the eyes. This will help when spending long periods at work on the computer.

Eat foods that promote good eye health. Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins E and C, as well as foods that contain lutein, are excellent choices. Some foods that contain those substances are wild salmon, citrus fruits, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables. Have these foods every day so that your eyes continue to be healthy.

Eat plenty of greens. When it comes to eye health, carrots are often touted as the vegetable of choice. While it is true that carrots are high in Vitamin A, they are not the only vegetable that can help with vision. Studies show that lutein and zeaxanthin, found in dark leafy greens such as spinach can help improve vision even more.

Visit your eye doctor on a regular basis. It is important to get your eye’s checked for their health and for your vision. If you are straining to see because your vision isn’t good or your glasses or contacts don’t help like they should, you can cause permanent damage.

Now that you know so much about caring for your eyes, the time is now to take these tips and put them to use. Just knowing something doesn’t make a difference, so step up and start getting down to work. Take great care of your eyes and they’ll last a lifetime!

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