Have you ever stared at a computer screen so long that your eyes ached?

Did you know that not only do your eyes get tired, but over time your vision can become impaired?

At the South African National Council for the Blind, we’re always trying to increase awareness of the fact that 80% of blindness is preventable and avoidable. And since March is Workplace Eye Wellness Awareness Month – we're hoping you'll take this knowledge to heart and do your bit to save your vision. 

Tips:

Regular check-ups with an optometrist to correct refractive errors and wearing glasses are preventative and helpful measures. Other helpful tips include looking away from your screen, getting a screen with a better resolution and adjusting the glare, brightness and contrast settings.

This March, we’re also focusing on Macular Degeneration, which causes distortion, darkening and blurring of the central vision. This disease is the leading cause of age-related blindness in people over 50 in America. Regular check-ups – and an awareness of the symptoms, particularly if you have a family history of the disease – will go a long way to keeping your eyes healthy for longer.

An integrated approach to taking care of your vision now might be the best thing you’ve done for yourself.

So start caring for your vision this March with regular check-ups, and take vitamins and antioxidant supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin, essential fatty acids, vitamins C and E and mineral zinc.

More information

Click here to watch an informative video on better eye health in a digital world, or click here to read more articles on age related macular degeneration.