Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Of all of your five senses, perhaps losing your eyesight would be the one you would least like to lose. Diminished sight can greatly reduce your quality of life. It would affect your ability to drive, play sports or even recognize friends at a distance. Just as you care for your teeth, skin and heart every day, you should pay particular attention to how you look after your eyes.
There are five important steps to keep your eyes healthy:
- Wearing sunglasses
- Eating plenty of vegetables
- Minimizing computer glare
- Exercising regularly
- Getting annual eye check-ups
Wearing Sunglasses
Everything about our bodies tends to deteriorate with age and our eyes are no exception. With a little knowledge and forethought, some damage can easily be prevented. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause eye disease and increase nearsightedness. These rays are also a major cause of cancer around the eyes.
You can easily lower your risk for these conditions by investing in a good pair of sunglasses and always wearing them when you go outside. Even when its overcast, UV rays, while lessened, can still do damage.
Choose sunglasses that have 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Wraparound frames and over-sized sunglasses offer the best coverage for the soft tissue around the eyes.
Eat Your Veggies
Antioxidant-rich foods are good for our bodies overall and low levels of antioxidants in older people can lead to macular degeneration. Leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, vegetable oils and nuts are all good sources of antioxidants.
Green and yellow fruits and vegetables are high in the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin that both protect the retina. A cup-sized serving of spinach, kale or collard greens can have 20 to 30 times more lutein and zeaxanthin than a cup of green lettuce.
Omega-3 helps to prevent dry eyes, which may be caused by menopause, dust, medications and wearing contact lenses.
Minimize Computer Glare
Many people spend hours every day staring at an illuminated screen. To minimize eye strain and damage, place the computer monitor as far away from your eyes as possible, without making you squint. Looking away from the monitor regularly will give your eyes a break and a chance to change focus. An anti-glare screen could also be helpful.
Exercise for Your Eyes
Regular exercise reduces the risk of diabetes, which is the main cause of vision impairment and blindness. Aim for half an hour of aerobic exercise three times a week. When you’re done, you should be a little breathless.
Regular Eye Exams
Even if you don’t currently wear corrective lenses, anyone over 40 should have a regular eye exam. Cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma, caught early, can be successfully treated.
