Vision Care

A Holistic Guide for Kiwis and Aussies

As a Kiwi or Aussie aged 16-65, you’re in the prime of your life – studying, working, raising families, and making the most of every day. But are you taking proper care of your vision health? With eye problems like myopia, cataracts, and macular degeneration on the rise, looking after your eye health and sight is crucial. This holistic vision care guide provides tips to help keep your eyes in top shape throughout your studies, career, and bustling lifestyle.

Vision Care Importance

One of the biggest modern threats to eye health is digital eye strain caused by prolonged screen use. University students and office workers are among the highest risk groups due to daily computer/device use. Symptoms like dry, irritated, and tired eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck/shoulder pain can result. Simple changes like:

Following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 mins, look 20 feet away for 20 secs
Using a screen filter or computer glasses
Adjusting screen brightness, contrast, text size
Taking regular breaks to look into the distance

…can provide much-needed relief. Many eye doctors now specifically prescribe “blue light blocking” lenses to minimize digital strain.

Routine Eye Exams Are Key

When was your last comprehensive eye exam? For adults aged 18-60, experts advise an exam every 2 years at minimum to check for refractive errors like nearsightedness, detect any early signs of eye disease, and ensure normal eye health and vision care. Those over 60 should get annual exams.

Don’t skip your routine exams, even if you think your vision is fine. Many serious eye conditions like glaucoma start silently, without early symptoms. Regular exams allow your optometrist to catch any issues before they progress and potentially impact your eyesight.

Nutrition for Vision Care

Did you know that certain vitamins and nutrients play an important role in preserving vision and eye health? Making sure you’re getting adequate levels of:

Vitamin C – Found in oranges, berries, tomatoes, etc.
Vitamin E – In nuts, seeds, avocados, whole grains
Zinc – Abundant in oysters, meat, legumes, dairy
Omega-3s – Plentiful in oily fish, flaxseeds, walnuts
Lutein/Zeaxanthin – From leafy greens, eggs, corn

…may help lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts down the road. Eating a balanced, colourful, vitamin-rich diet gives your eyes the nourishment(vision care) they need.

The Dangers of Smoking and Excessive Alcohol

Both smoking and heavy alcohol intake can have seriously damaging effects on your vision over time. Smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration – the leading cause of blindness in adults over 50. Excessive alcohol consumption is toxic to the optic nerve and retina.

If you smoke or drink heavily, take steps to quit smoking and curb your drinking now. Your eyes will be grateful – and your overall health will benefit tremendously too.

Safeguarding Eyes at Work and Play

Whether you’re toiling away in an office setting or manual work environment, be mindful of protecting your precious eyes. Workplace eye injuries from debris, chemicals, or tools are painful and can severely impact vision if not treated promptly.

Similarly, when participating in sports or hazardous activities like construction or home DIY, always wear appropriate protective shatterproof eyewear. It only takes a split-second flying object to cause a devastating eye injury.

Don’t Forget UV Protection

The intense sunlight and UV exposure in the New Zealand/Australia region poses a threat to healthy eyes too. Excessive UV radiation heightens the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration later in life. Investing in proper UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound frames offers the best protection.

Maintain an Eye-Friendly Lifestyle
Factors like smoking, excessive alcohol, lack of exercise, poor sleep habits, and high stress all negatively impact vision over time. Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle with balanced nutrition, plenty of rest, moderate exercise, and stress management naturally promotes better long-term vision care.

Regular Vision Care = A Lifetime of Sight

As this guide illustrates, maintaining excellent vision care throughout your studies, career, and daily activities is essential. By taking a proactive, holistic approach including routine eye exams, wearing proper protective eyewear, caring for your eyes with nutrition and lifestyle habits, you’re setting the stage for a lifetime of sharp, healthy vision.

With a few simple yet powerful practices, you can safeguard your precious sense of sight now and minimize the risk of debilitating vision loss down the road. Your eyes are the window through which you experience the world – take excellent care of them!

Finding the Right Eyewear at Papa Glasses

For vision care good prescription and sunglasses are necessary. When it comes to prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, PapaGlasses.com offers an outstanding selection of stylish, high-quality frames and lenses at affordable prices. As an online retailer, they’re able to pass along major savings compared to brick-and-mortar optical shops.

Papa Glasses has an extensive range of prescription glasses starting at just $40, with options for bifocals, progressives and light-responsive photochromic lenses. Their sunglasses include premium polarized and mirrored styles with 100% UV protection. You can even customize your glasses with premium anti-reflective, blue light and scratch resistant lens coatings.

Doing vision care should be a priority throughout your life. By following these tips – from nutrition to UV protection to regular exams – you can safeguard your precious eyesight for years to come. And when it’s time to purchase your next pair of prescription glasses or sunglasses, check out the affordable, stylish options at PapaGlasses.com.