There's been a lot of weight being put on physical fitness in recent years. This shouldn't come as a surprise as more and more people are becoming extra conscious of their health. In fact, statistics reveal that the health and fitness market in Canada is to reach over USD$161 million (CAD$225 million) in 2027. This just means there's no stopping people from finding ways to get and stay active for optimum well-being. (1)
But one body part fitness enthusiasts often overlook is their eyes. And this isn't really ideal. The eyes got to be taken care of the right way so they can better serve their purpose. Having said that, this article will discuss eye health tips from an optometrist in Davisville. Continue reading for the details.
Wearing the Right Eye Gear for Intense Activities
Certain types of sports can lead to eye injury. High-impact activities like martial arts and boxing, and team sports carry inherent risks of direct eye trauma. Basketball is a prime example. With players jockeying for positions and colliding with one another, the possibility of one getting their eyes hurt is pretty high.
But there are solutions to stop such unfortunate incidents from occurring or, at the very least, dampen their impact. Wearing the right eye guards or face guards is one. Prescription glasses made out of polycarbonate plastic have also proven to be vital as they can bear up against projectile traveling 90 mph.
That's why protective eyewear designed for specific sports is crucial. Scheduling an eye exam in Davisville can be invaluable in this regard. It offers an opportunity to receive professional assessment and comprehensive guidance tailored to individual athletic needs.
Protecting the Eyes During Outdoor Activities
Many fitness enthusiasts enjoy outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking. While they mean being able to breathe fresh air and a break from screens, such pursuits also expose the eyes to sunlight, dust, and allergens. An optometrist in Davisville can help by offering solutions like UV-protective sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection, preventing harmful rays from impacting the eyes directly.
And just like muscles and skin, the eyes need adequate hydration to function properly. Dehydration can lead to dry eyes, which may cause irritation and discomfort. Drinking enough water before, during, and after workouts is essential, especially during hot weather or high-intensity activities that cause sweating.
Preventing Eye Strain From Screen Time
An average adult spends more than six hours a day staring at their gadget screens. To offset this seemingly sedentary habit, fitness enthusiasts utilize their devices to aid them in their workouts. However, screen time can lead to digital eye strain, a condition that causes symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, and headaches. (2)
Ensure adequate lighting when using fitness apps or watching workout videos. Position screens at an appropriate distance and angle to minimize glare and reduce eye strain. A simple solution you can do is to be mindful of the 20-20-20 rule wherein every 20 minutes, you take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. These few seconds of time can be a crucial juncture as it gives eye muscles a break, reducing the risk of strain.
Here's another thing: your screen emits light that may damage your vision. To keep the eyes protected, consider adjusting the settings, lowering the brightness, and minimizing blue light exposure by enabling night mode.
Also, staring at screens for prolonged periods can reduce the frequency of blinking, which leads to dry eyes. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can provide relief, keeping eyes moisturized and reducing discomfort.
The Role of Rest and Recovery in Eye Health
It’s as clear as day that vision impairment becomes a concern for anyone at some point in their lives. And the numbers speak for themselves—an estimated 258 million people have a mild vision impairment. However, prioritizing your eye health through resting can prevent this figure from increasing. (3)
After a long workout or day of screen exposure, gentle exercises such as palming or blinking exercises can relax eye muscles and alleviate tension. And aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night. This one's ideal for recovery. Why? During sleep, the eyes get to rest, repair, and replenish moisture, which helps maintain clear vision and reduce the risk of strain.
Conclusion
Fitness enthusiasts should be proactive in taking care of their eyes the same way that they take care of their other body parts. At the end of the day, it’s about being holistic with how you approach health. While the eyes may seem small, they hold big significance in your day-to-day life, don't they? Consider the pointers above as you aim to achieve the healthiest version of yourself.
