Do you actively look after your eyes? Like the rest of your body, your eyes require a great deal of care and attention. Whether it’s eating the right foods, getting them checked regularly, or protecting them from the sun, looking after your eyes is an essential part of staying healthy. Below are a few tips for maintaining ocular health long into the future.
Eat Colourful Foods
It may sound surprising, but eating foods that are yellow, orange, or dark green have beneficial effects on the eyes. Foods such as carrots, squash, and egg yolk, for example, contain high amounts of antioxidants known as zeaxanthin and lutein. The yellow pigment in these foods also protects against macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness in older people. Dark leafy greens like kale, broccoli, spinach, and cabbage also have similar effects.
Get Regular Check-Ups
Like other areas of our health, getting annual eye check-ups with your optometrist is essential for maintaining ocular health. Not only can an optometrist test your sight and the function of the eye, but these examinations can also detect more serious illnesses or age-related conditions like cataracts. While cataracts may require surgery, it can lead to improved vision if they replace the blurred lens with a cataract lens. You may want to check out PanOptix IOL reviews to find out more about how these kinds of lenses work.
Wear Sunglasses
Many people know how important it is to wear sunglasses, as they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Too much sun exposure can lead to cataracts or macular degeneration (AMD), so it’s advisable to always protect your eyes whenever you’re out in the bright summer rays. To ensure you’re getting the best protection, make sure the sunglasses you’re wearing are blocking out 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Monitor Computer Use
Too much computer use can lead to eye strain or dry eyes. While these aren’t serious conditions, chronic dry eyes can lead to irritation, blurred vision, headaches, as well as increased risk of infections. You should blink frequently and take breaks from the computer. Experts also advise that you take time to focus on something in the distance a few times each day to relax the eyes. You’ll also want to make sure that your vision isn’t hindered by poor eyesight. If that’s the case, visit your optometrist to get prescription glasses or contacts.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can damage many areas of our health, and the eyes are no exception. Smoking increases your chance of cataracts, macular degeneration, and damage to the optic nerve. Smokers are four times more likely to be blinded by AMD compared with non-smokers.
Exercise Regularly
You may be wondering how exercise is related to the eyes, but research has shown that activities such as regular walking can reduce one’s chances of developing glaucoma by up to 73%. The good news is it doesn’t require vigorous activity to maintain healthy eyes. Frequent walks throughout the week should be more than enough.
