It’s possible to maintain good ocular health with the right habits. Here are 8 that will keep your eyes healthy and well
The eyes are unlike any other part of the body, and it may seem that the only way to deal with vision problems is by external means i.e. visual aid, eye surgery, etc. However, ocular health is a function of our lifestyle and our habits. With just a little effort, the eyes can remain healthy.
Vitamin And Antioxidant-Rich Foods
A good diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins can keep the eyes healthy and strong. Antioxidants, the molecules which prevent the oxidation of other molecules, have definite links with ocular health. Antioxidants help maintain the cells of the eye. It has also been shown to slow down the progression of advanced macular degeneration, a common cause for the deterioration of eyesight. Antioxidants also delays cataract formation.
Vitamins also play a vital role in keeping the eyes healthy. Vitamin A, is good for retinal health and aid in both colour and night vision. Vitamin C is very important for the collagen in the body and combined with Vitamin E, protects the connective tissue improving ocular health.
Additional nutrients, Omega 3 fatty acids is known for its ability to reduce the progression of macular degeneration, while Ambrotose immunizes the body and is good for preventing eye infections. Zinc is an important mineral for strengthening eye cells. Lutein and Zeaxanthin, both carotenoid nutrients, like Vitamin E have also shown a positive impact on ocular health.
Protect The Eyes From Uv Rays
Sunglasses may be a style statement but, it provides protection to the eyes from harsh sunlight and UV rays. Harmful ultraviolet light from the sun can cause eyelid cancer and macular degeneration. UV exposure can cause various eye problems like irritation, tearing, blindness, etc.
Protecting the eyes from UV rays is rather simple! Just like one applies sunscreen lotion before stepping out, simply putting on sunglasses or lenses with photochromic lenses can protect the eyes from UV damage. Wearing sunglasses in the shade is a good idea since the eyes are exposed to UV from reflected light as well.
Stop Smoking And Limit Alcoholic Beverages
Smoking has many dire consequences on the health of a person, a large number of people abuse their bodies by smoking, not knowing that they are harming their eyes. Cataracts and macular degeneration are the major conditions caused by smoking. In addition to this, they are prone to an optic nerve condition that can cause vision loss. Smoking can also worsen dry eye syndrome.
Consumption of alcohol has a similar effect. Drinking too much alcohol dehydrates the body, which in turn dehydrates the eyes. It can also cause toxic amblyopia, a very serious optic nerve condition.
Maintain Blood Sugar To Healthy Limits
An occasional piece of cake or chocolate can boost a person’s spirit, but an excess can cause blood sugar malfunctions and eventually diabetes. If one is diabetic, keeping the blood sugar levels stable can prevent or delay the onset of diabetic eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and even cataracts. Blood sugar fluctuations can make the natural lens inside the eye swell, resulting in large prescription changes. Maintaining blood sugar can go a long way in ensuring healthy eyes and life.
Control Blood Pressure And Cholesterol
High blood pressure is the root cause of a number of ailments. But when it comes to eye problems, it can lead to hypertensive retinopathy, a condition that if left untreated can result in blindness. In addition, it has been found to increase the risk of eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
High blood pressure in addition to high cholesterol places one at risk for developing a stroke or a central retinal artery occlusion. A central retinal artery occlusion is also called a ‘stroke to the eye’ usually produces major vision loss. Strokes affecting one side of the brain often produce large blind spots in one’s vision. Reducing stress will reduce blood pressure which in turn will keep the eyes healthy.
Get Regular Eye Check-Ups
Regular eye examinations are very important to keep one’s ocular health in check. These eye examinations even help in diagnosing problems regarding blood pressure and sometimes also detect glaucoma. Many eye diseases, if detected early enough, can be treated successfully without significant vision loss.
Avoid Eye Strain
Eye strain is another cause of deteriorating vision. It is best, therefore, to avoid all unnecessary strain, and give the eyes some rest when one feels that they are stressed. Sitting in front of the computer or reading strains the eyes. Therefore, when engrossed in work or a good book, it is good to give the eyes some rest by closing them and relaxing. Ideally, this should be done every half hour and should be done for about two minutes or so.
Exercise For Better Vision
When the majority of the day is spent in front of a computer and television screen or even reading, there will be the risk of short-sightedness which makes one unable to see far away objects. The main reason would be that for the most part of the day the eyes are focused on objects that are close so, in effect, the eyes get used to seeing close objects making them less efficient when it comes to seeing objects at a distance. Doing various exercises for the eyes can improve vision.
