36 everyday habits that can save your eyesight

Mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow can really make our eyes pop, but they can also clog the tiny oil glands at the base of our eyelashes. “This can lead to irritated, red and watery eyes, and can also make contact lenses uncomfortable,” warns optometrist Dr Monica Nguyen. “Take your makeup off at the end of the day before washing your face, as sleeping with that gunk on your eyelashes poses greater risk for bacteria build-up and subsequent infection,” she says. Afterward, gently run a damp cotton bud along the top and bottom eyelid margin to remove any remaining makeup residue and help open up those glands.

These easy tips will prevent make-up allergies.

Other ways to protect your eyes – without sabotaging your makeup style – include not sharing eye makeup with friends. Ever, as bacteria can easily transfer from mascara wand or eyeliner to your eye. You also need to clean your brushes regularly, and invest in new eye makeup every three months, Dr Nguyen says. And always ditch all of your eye makeup after an eye infection.

“Follow simple hygiene, such as hand washing, and proper cleansing of contact lenses with contact lens cleaning solution,” Dr Nguyen says. “For bi-weekly and monthly contact lenses, it’s important to remove the contacts at the end of the day, clean them in the palm of your hand, and allow them to sit in solution overnight.” It’s also important to clean them with the solution prior to putting them back on in the a.m. “Daily disposable contact lenses are great because you can dispose of them every day and start a fresh new pair the following day.”

Closing your eyes when you swim underwater may not be enough to protect your eyes. The same chemicals that disinfect swimming pools (chlorine and saline) can also harm your eyes, causing stinging, burning, dryness and/or redness. Dr David Evans, executive director of Better Vision Guide, recommends wearing goggles when you go swimming. These same chemicals can also cause contact lens irritations and infections. “If you accidentally wear contacts while swimming, remove them and rinse your eyes and the contacts immediately after the swim,” Evans says.

Here are some pros and cons to consider before you take up swimming.

It may not be sexy, but eye protection can save your vision. “Many eye injuries can occur at home or during recreational activities or sports,” Nguyen says. Avoid any harm by sporting protective eyewear, she says. “If an eye injury occurs, even if it appears minor, visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist right away for proper treatment to prevent possible vision loss and/or blindness.”

Research out of the University of Liverpool found that we tend to miss about 10 per cent of our face when slathering on sunscreen, especially on and around the eyelids. This is particularly concerning as about 10 per cent of skin cancers are known to occur in this thin and sensitive area. “Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin especially on your face,” says dermatologist, Dr Michele Green.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, mackerel and other fatty fish help prevent dry eyes and keep the retina healthy, says Dr Justin Bazan, medical adviser to The Vision Council.

Not getting enough sleep can contribute to red eyes, Evans says. (Consider why they call flights departing late at night and arriving early the next morning ‘red eye’.) Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom cool and dark, and using it only for sleeping and sex. If you are consistently having issues getting a good night sleep and always wake feeling tired, talk to your doctor about what may be contributing to your poor sleep.

Read on for the essential guide to a deeper sleep.

Lutein (pronounced loo-teen) and zeaxanthin (pronounced zee-uh-zan-thin) found in spinach, corn, broccoli and eggs, can help protect your eyes from disease. These nutrients are deposited in high quantities in the retina of the eye. While it is always best to get nutrients from whole foods, recent studies show health benefits from taking 10 mg a day of a lutein supplement and 2 mg/day of a zeaxanthin supplement.

Try this delicious spinach and fetta omelette (and help your eyesight at the same time!)

Regular physical activity can improve health in general and can specifically benefit your eyes. In fact, one study out of Sweden showed that exercise could reduce cataract risk. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. There’s more too. “Exercise staves off some of the diseases and conditions that affect vision such as diabetes and high blood pressure,” Dr Hau says. Here’s how to improve eyesight: aim for 30 minutes a day of aerobic activity on most days of the week, and always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your workouts.