Maintaining your health is a struggle, no doubt about it. Poor or deteriorating vision is unfortunately a way of life for millions of people. While there are physical fitness regimens, diets and exercise programs tailored to just about anybody and any type of desired end result, one very vital part of our bodies always seems to be ignored among this rhetoric – the eyes.
While it may seem worth the effort to change your diet and begin exercising regularly in order to lose weight, gain muscle or maintain what you’ve got, the eyes are taken for granted in comparison. Having good vision and great eye health is a gift, and while everyone’s sight will decline somewhat as they age, the eyes, like any other part of your body, can be maintained for many years by simply being aware of some facts and establishing some good habits.
General eye health and vision deteriorate with age; this is a fact and no one is an exception to this. As we age, our eyes lose some of their ability to focus on objects that are brought closer to them. This lack of accommodation is generally why most people over the age of 50 take up wearing reading glasses. While no one can exercise enough to stop time from taking its natural effect on their body, it is possible to maintain eye health and great vision well into our later years. Through a combination of good habits related to vision and some small dietary tweaks, having healthy eyes can be attainable for anyone.
Let’s look at some of the dietary changes that can impact your vision positively. Like anything to do with diet, vitamins are the key – your body, and everything in it, requires specific vitamins in order to keep functioning correctly and functioning well. Your eyes are not exempt from this. Two vital nutrients for your eyes are Vitamin E and Lutein. Numerous studies have proven that consuming both of these will stave off or slow the development of a condition known as cataracts, which are a loss of vision due to clouding of the lens of the eye.
Lutein can be found in green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach and kale as well as eggs. While it is possible to get lutein via vitamin supplements, it is best when delivered naturally through some of the foods mentioned previously. In addition to Vitamin E, Vitamin A is also a vital part of good eye health, specifically Beta Carotene. Carrots are more or less the best source for beta carotene although it can be found in pumpkin, sweet potato and again, spinach.
While eating a diet rich in vitamins, nutrients and green leafy vegetables is often associated with losing weight and a necessary part in transforming the body’s outward appearance, it also benefits your vision greatly – if the first reason isn’t enough, the fact that it also helps to maintain your vision should get you headed to the produce aisle when you shop for food. It is never too late to start eating well.
While some aspects of maintaining good vision and eye health can be impacted by dietary choices, much of the quality of your vision is dependent on habits related to your lifestyle. If you are a lens wearer (either glasses or contacts), it is absolutely essential that you take good care of them. Glasses that do not fit you properly will have an adverse effect on your vision, ill-fitting frames will cause your eyes to over-compensate and strain. If you wear contacts, be diligent when it comes to caring for them. Strictly follow any instructions regarding their cleaning and disinfecting.
Sunglasses should be worn anytime you will experience prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays. If you live someplace with a snowy winter, this is very important as the increased glare due to reflection of the sun’s rays is more prominent in an all-white, snow covered landscape.
Prescription sunglasses are generally more expensive than regular glasses and as such can be classified as a luxury by many, but the investment is small when you consider the impact they can have on maintaining your vision – wearing non-prescription sunglasses when you are a regular eyeglass wearer will provide protection from harmful UV rays, but your eyes will strain and overcompensate since you’ll be squinting behind the darkened lenses and your eyes are constantly attempting to re-focus. Some optometrists will offer prescription package deals that include regular glasses and sunglasses with your prescription. Shop around for a deal if possible, the savings will be worthwhile.
It is recommended that adults get a full check-up from their doctor at least once a year once past the age of 40. Include an eye exam as part of this regular check-up. Your optometrist may examine your eyes and tell you that you only need check-ups every two years, at least initially. It will become a yearly event as you continue to age. If you experience any changes at all; blurred vision, any type of sensation (itching, pain, stinging), etc., make an appointment to see your eye doctor immediately.
Here are some additional tips for reducing visual stress in common, everyday situations:
– sit up straight when you read or watch television
– If you work in front of a computer screen, look away from the screen often (*this applies to any near-vision activity)
– Never read i dim lighting – don’t use a single lamp and eliminate glare from any source
– Never sit closer than 16-14 inches to the computer or television (TV’s especially should be at a distance equal to 6 times the width of the actual TV)
– Take part in activities that will involve distance vision
– Choose black-gray or green-gray lenses in your sunglasses (they pass the full color spectrum without any distortion)
– If you wear glasses, be sure to get anti-glare coating on them at the time of purchase
– When writing, hold the pen at least two inches from the tip so you won’t get in the habit of tilting your head to see what you’re writing
Your vision is one of your most important assets. Protect your vision by following the advice above and you can maintain great vision and possible avoid needing stronger glasses or contacts.
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