From keratitis and abrasions to dry eye and corneal dystrophies, the cornea – the clear surface at the front of the eye – is susceptible to a variety of disorders. Dependable treatments for corneal diseases such as drops, ointments and oral medications can provide relief for many of these conditions. However, as with most health issues, preventive care is the best strategy for maintaining healthy eyes. So, what can Newark patients do to protect their eyes from corneal disorders?
5 Key Techniques for Protecting the Eyes From Corneal Disorders
While some corneal diseases are hereditary, you can still take effective actions to minimize your risk of suffering corneal damage or infections. Here are five simple ways to prevent corneal disorders.
1. Follow Good Hygiene Practices
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses to prevent the transmission of bacteria and viruses. Dust and allergens can also irritate the eyes if your environment is not cleaned thoroughly. As a simple rule, avoid sharing anything that comes into contact with your eyes – examples include makeup, towels and similar items.
2. Wear Protective Eyewear to Reduce Risks
Due to its position at the front of the eye, the cornea is at risk for injury that may be caused by playing sports, making home repairs, completing tasks at work and so on. Appropriate eyewear can make all the difference, as goggles and safety glasses will protect your eyes during high-risk activities. Sunglasses that protect from UV rays are also helpful in shielding the cornea.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain adequate moisture levels in the eyes and reduce the need for dry eye treatment and management. While there is no specific diet to protect against corneal disorders, foods rich in vitamins A, C and E (along with omega-3 fatty acids) are crucial for eye health.
4. Take Proper Care With Contact Lenses
When used incorrectly, contact lenses can cause abrasions, infections and other corneal problems. Fortunately, you can usually avoid these issues by following proper contact lens usage guidelines. First, you should follow the schedule for wearing and replacing lenses. Next, clean and store lenses with the correct solutions. Finally, avoid sleeping and swimming in your contact lenses to prevent irritation.
5. Get Regular Eye Checkups
Monitoring eye health with regular checkups can identify a corneal disorder before symptoms deteriorate. With the help of an ophthalmic specialist, you can stay informed about the condition of your eyes and receive assistance with cornea, glaucoma, cataract or ocular surface disease management for long-term eye health.
Corneal Disorder Specialists in Newark, DE
Eye Care of Delaware is Newark’s premier provider of treatment for corneal disorders, cataracts and glaucoma. When you need a medical eye checkup, diagnosis or treatment, our team is here to help. For assistance, call (302) 454-8800 or request an appointment today.
