4 tips to ensure you’re protecting your eyes properly
Let's face it, getting distracted while driving doesn't take much. The 'ping' from your cellphone, the good song you haven't heard in a long time or the lip gloss you simply have to apply right away. All these distractions can cause you to take your eyes off the road or lose concentration when you're supposed to be concentrating on getting home safely.
But have you ever stopped to consider that your eyes are the most important organs you need for driving? Not only do you need to see to anticipate and avoid road hazards, you also need to make sure you are navigating highways and freeways safely at all times.
Statistics show it takes between 6 to 8 seconds for your eyes to adjust to the sun's glare while driving. In this time, you are effectively 'driving blind.'
At Santam, we consider the assurance that policyholders are healthy and in a position to operate a vehicle very seriously. That is why we've put together a list of tips which can help to ensure that you are protecting your eyes properly.
- Look for signs of changes in your vision: If your sight starts to blur or you notice changes in your vision, make an appointment to see an optometrist immediately;
- Exercise more frequently: Some studies suggest that regular exercise such as walking can reduce the risk of age-related eye-sight degeneration by up to 70 percent;
- Protect your eyes from harmful UV light: Wear sunglasses with proper UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet: A number of studies have shown that a diet full of vegetables and fruit can help reduce cataracts later in life.
Click here to read more about eye protection and road safety.