The eyes happen to be among the most sensitive organs in the body. They are also the most vulnerable to injuries and illnesses. Hence, one would need to be absolutely careful when taking care of the eyes. Here are some health care tips that would offer the best protection possible for one’s eyes.
Eat the right foods
A healthy body starts with healthy foods. If you want to take care of your eyes, you would need to start eating the right foods for the same. Some of the more nutritious choices for your eyes include:
Leafy Green Vegetables:
Loaded with antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein, leafy green vegetables are known to prevent macular degeneration and the formation of cataracts.
Berries:
With high levels of Vitamin C, berries can also prevent the formation of cataracts as well as macular degeneration to a great extent.
Fish:
Low levels of DHA in individuals are related to conditions like dry eye syndrome. Fishes, especially varieties like mackerel, salmon, trout and anchovies are known to contain a fatty acid called DHA which is needed for proper retinal function.
Eggs:
Egg yolk contains zinc, zeaxanthin and lutein, all of which help treat macular degeneration and prevent further occurrences.
Almonds:
Loaded with Vitamin E, almonds also prevent macular degeneration.
Wear sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun and glare by using sunglasses. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays increases risks of macular degeneration and cataracts.
However, not any sunglass would do. You need to opt for glasses that block at least 99% of the UV rays, including UVA and UVB. If you wear glasses, choose ones that have automatic reflective coating. Wearing wraparound lenses can also protect your eyes although you need to wear sunglasses over them anyway.
Exercise your Eyes
There are plenty of ways in which you can exercise your eyes to enhance your vision. Some of these include:
Warm Touch:
Rub your palms vigorously and then place them on your eyes. You will feel the warmth from the hand transferring to your eyes. Keep the hands in place for about 10 seconds and repeat the process again. Do this 5-6 times a day.
Rolling the Eyes:
This simple exercise needs you to roll your eyes and try to focus on distant objects while doing so. You would then need to look downwards. Repeat this for ten times and then look both sides repeatedly for about 10 times. Next, look diagonally in both directions. Now start rolling your eyes in a clockwise direction and in an anticlockwise direction after that. Massage your eyes in an anticlockwise direction and do the same in a clockwise direction as well. Follow this with at least 10 minutes of rest for your eyes.
Give your eyes the rest they require
Nonstop work can place undue strain on your eyes. So take regular short breaks of about 5 minutes in between to rest your eyes. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go to sleep. Rather, just sit down with your eyes closed for about 5 minutes at regular intervals in between work. If you use a computer at work, follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce pressure on your eyes and prevent conditions like headaches, blurry vision and dry eyes. Simply look away from the computer screen for about 20 minutes, looking at least 20 feet in front for about 20 seconds.
Don’t miss regular doctor appointments
There is no need to visit the doctor only when you feel something is wrong with your eyes. Routine checkups can help you detect and prevent conditions before they worsen. Eye exams can also help detect other health conditions like diabetes and glaucoma. So make it a point to go for regular eye exams.
Stop Smoking
Smoking would increase your chances of being affected by macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage. So if you are a regular smoker, consider stopping the habit if not reducing the frequency of your smokes.
The eyes are very gentle organs that need proper care. In order to enhance your vision naturally and stay away from issues like cataracts and macular degeneration, it is imperative that you eat the right foods, stop smoking and exercise your eyes regularly.