If you’re not doing everything you can to maintain your eyes, then you’re going to want to get started after reading this information. If it doesn’t motivate you into a plan of action, then you’re not going to fare well. Proper eye care is extremely vital to everyday life, and there are steps you can take.

Schedule an exam in the future. A lot of people simply aren’t visiting their eye doctor as regularly as they should. You should have your vision checked at least once in your twenties and then twice in your thirties, but that’s only if you don’t have history or symptoms of vision problems.

If you regularly wear contacts, keep a pair of backup prescription eye glasses. When experiencing irritation in the eye, you should remove the contact and wear a pair of prescription eye glasses. Keeping a contact lens in your eye while the eye is irritated can turn this seemingly small problem into something much larger, such as corneal ulcer.

Never share eye makeup with anyone. Bacteria can transfer from one person to another when eye makeup is shared. This can lead to eye irritation and other problems. At the cosmetic counter, avoid using sample products if it has been opened and used by other people already. Ask for a clean sample if available.

When you find that you are blinking often, you might have an problem with your eyes. If your eyes are not dry, it may be some sort of nervous tic caused by stress. Try to relax if this is the case. If you’re certain that you don’t have an eye tic, talk to an ophthalmologist.

Watch the air conditioning and heating in the home. Heating and air conditioning systems are a common cause of dry eye. Run a humidifier in conjunction with your heating system to keep the air moist and comfortable. This moisture keeps eyes from becoming irritated or dry.

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.

To care for your eyes, you must be a healthy weight. Obesity leads to diabetes which can create great damage to your eyes. It also leads to glaucoma, hypertensive retinopathy and other conditions which can lead to blindness. The healthier your body is, the healthier your eyes will be, so lose weight!

You should have eye exams regularly to maintain great eye health. Your eyes ought to be checked even more often if you’re a bit older. As your body gets older, there may be a higher risk of eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma. A medical specialist paying close attention to your eye health will be able to catch any issues, early.

Try not to touch your eyes. It may seem hard to do, but your hands carry many germs and irritants that can get into your eyes and cause issues. You should also never scratch your eyes. If you must touch or rub your eyes, make sure your hands are clean and that you handle them gently.

If you use contact lenses, be sure to wash your hands before touching them. There are all sorts of germs and viruses which can enter your body through your eye. The last thing you want is an eye infection, or even a cold or the flu, so wash up first!

If you are a smoker, try to quit. Smoking affects your blood vessels in a negative way, and that includes those in your eye. It can also cause optic nerve issues, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Find positive ways to quit smoking and protect your eyes.

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.

If you have puffy eyelids, consider cucumber slices as a means of preventing water retention. Cut them into quarter-inch slices, and put them on your lids as you relax for about 15 minutes. You will find that green tea bags that have been soaked with cold water can also be effective in your battle against inflammation and puffiness.

Are you ready to do something about your eye care today? If so, then you have the important information that can get you started. You want to be able to use your eyes, and this means that the tips discussed should be a priority for you. Get going today so that you can see tomorrow.

Want Better Eye Care Tips? Read This! was originally published on Spring