Many factors outside our own body will affect the health of our eyes, and many of these are generally overlooked by most of us. Obvious environmental factors include UV radiation – continued exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can raise the risk of certain eye conditions including macular degeneration, cataracts and sunburn of the cornea. Seasonal allergies and pollens can cause itching and allergic conjunctivitis, and environmental debris like dust, sand and other small particles can cause eye inflammation or possible injuries.
Choosing a holistic approach at an optometry clinic can help address various environmental impacts on your eye health by offering tailored solutions and preventative measures.
Less obvious factors include insufficient or inadequate lighting which can cause eyestrain and lead to headaches and eye fatigue. In contrast, excessive glare from bright lights or reflections on surfaces can also lead to eye strain. Poor air quality can negatively impact the eye, and common indoor pollutants like dust, pet dander and mould can cause eyes to become red, itchy and irritated. Dry air and humidity levels can also cause problems like discomfort and blurry vision and contribute to the evaporation of tears which exacerbates dry eye symptoms.
Holistic Solutions to Environmental Impacts that Affect Our Eyes
If you want to maintain good visual health, it is important to take care of your eyes and minimise the risk of damage that can be caused by environmental factors. In a modern world where most of us spend too much time on computers or phones, it is important to practice healthy screen habits like reducing screen time, taking regular breaks and lowering the brightness of the screen. Using blue light prescription glasses can also help reduce eye strain caused by prolonged exposure to screens and artificial lighting.
Creating a healthy indoor environment is very important, especially when you consider the average person spends about 90% of their life indoors, so by maintaining good ventilation or using air purifiers, you can improve the air and toxins your eyes are exposed to. An extremely aesthetic and effective way to do this is by keeping indoor plants like the Peace Lily or Spider Plant, which can help to absorb harmful toxins that are released from paint, carpets, cleaning products and furniture.
Engaging in sports vision training for better performance can enhance your visual skills and reaction times, which is particularly beneficial for athletes exposed to various environmental factors impacting their eye health. Outdoor factors like UV radiation can be overcome by wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection, and wearing protective eyewear if there is a risk of eye injury especially when playing sports. If you live in a particularly windy area glasses will also protect you from any debris that can be blown into your eyes. For those who require prescription sunglasses, choosing lenses that offer both UV protection and clear vision while seamlessly combining style with functionality ensures your eyes are fully protected and you can enjoy outdoor activities with confidence.
Never Overlook Environmental Factors When Considering Optimal Eye Health
It is important to be mindful of the impact that environmental factors can have on your vision, and it is vital not to ignore them. Pollen and pollution can cause dry, itchy or irritated eyes, and if you are constantly rubbing or scratching your eyes you run the risk of causing long-term damage. You should always consult an eye care professional if you have any persistent discomfort or changes in your vision, and early treatment from a holistic optometrist like Microprism Vision can greatly improve your chances of maintaining great optimal eye, and overall health.
Some environmental factors are not as obvious as others, but it is worth being aware of all of them so you can keep your eyes, and your general well-being, in tip-top health.
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