New mothers have a lot on their plates. From taking care of a newborn to managing household chores, it becomes easy to neglect your own health. If you are a new mother, you should, however, take care of and prioritize your well-being, particularly your eye health.
Top 6 Eye Health Tips for New Mothers
Get regular eye exams
Don't neglect your health as a new mother despite your busy schedule. Regular eye exams are necessary for detecting and preventing eye problems early. Especially if you have a family history of eye disease! There are also certain risks for developing eye problems during pregnancy. Which is yet another reason to see an eye doctor.
We advise you to book an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist right after giving birth. And afterward - at least once a year. This is a key moment to take care of your vision and eyes as a new mother.
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Manage dry eyes
New mothers often experience dry eyes. That is completely normal and happens due to hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and excessive screen time. To manage dry eyes, use artificial tears, take frequent breaks from screens, and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Don't forget to consult an eye doctor if you experience severe dry eye symptoms. These symptoms could be a gritty or burning feeling, scratchy sensation when blinking, redness, or irritation. They might be harmless or a signal for an underlying eye problem. So just in case, have your eyes checked out by a medical professional.
Protect your eyes from UV radiation
Exposure to solar radiation increases your risk of cataracts and other eye problems. For that reason, when going outside, wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV rays. For the best protection, always look for UV400 eyewear, especially if you already suffer from eye disease. Wearing hats could also protect your eyes from the sun.
RELATED ARTICLE: How to Choose The Right Sunglasses?
Practice good hygiene
The next eye health tips for new mothers are to wash their hands frequently before handling contact lenses or touching their eyes. And especially before touching their little ones. Good hygiene is vital for preventing contagious eye infections, which can be particularly dangerous for new mothers and their newborn babies.
Try to get good rest
Sleep deprivation can lead to dry eyes, eye strain, and other eye conditions. At the same time, we understand being a new mother comes with many sleepless nights. Getting a good night's sleep with a newborn can be challenging and not always feasible.
So if you feel like you cannot follow through on this tip, don't push it. Instead, opt to take mid-day naps whenever possible or communicate with your partner about sharing baby duties at night. That way, you can try and get adequate sleep and prevent potential eye problems.
Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants is imperative for maintaining optimal eye health. Include plenty of leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and fish in your meal plan. Consider taking a daily multivitamin or supplement containing lutein and zeaxanthin, which help keep your eyes healthy.
RELATED ARTICLE: What Foods Improve Eye Health?
By following these eye health tips for new mothers, you can boost your ocular health and enjoy motherhood with clear vision and healthy eyes.
Here are a few extra resources by Ophthalmology24 that you might find interesting as a new mother:
All medical facts are checked by Atanas Bogoev M.D.