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Collard greens and kale, for instance, are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help prevent developing both cataracts and macular degeneration. Plus, greens have lots of antioxidants, which may help repair and delay some cell damage.
The Mediterranean diet is rich in lean proteins, veggies, and healthy fats—all nutrients that are good for both your heart and your vision. In fact, a study found that this type of diet "was associated with a 41% reduced risk of incident advanced AMD" (age-related macular degeneration).
Using these supplements may reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD in high-risk individuals, according to clinical trials by the National Eye Institute.
Both high and low blood pressure can indeed affect your eyes. Reduced blood flow to the retina may cause blurred vision or even blindness, whereas high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your eyes.
Always use eye makeup remover before you go to sleep. Fragments of mascara may get in your eye and scratch your cornea.
Supplements can also help your eyesight staying in top-notch condition, including zeaxanthin, vitamin C and E, zinc, and copper.
Protective goggles are a must in a number of different scenarios, including while doing carpentry or other manual work where debris can get into your eyes. This can actually lead to corneal abrasions, which are essentially scratches on your eyes.
Sharing a face towel can expose you to the risk of getting pink eye. The same goes for pillows and makeup brushes, to name a few. Always use your own fresh towel to wipe your face.
If you're aged 60 or older, you might want to take a dilated eye exam every one to two years. Though if you have a family history of glaucoma, it's advisable that you should start doing these at around age 40.
Set a reminder for taking a pause every 30 minutes when you're on your computer or reading. Look away and focus on something further away. This will help prevent eye fatigue and eyestrain.
We all know how bad smoking is for our overall health. This includes our vision. Studies have shown that smokers have a reduced ability to see some contrasts and colors when compared to non-smokers.
This is particularly true if you get itchy eyes, as you tend to rub them and this increases the risk of damage and infection.
Make sure you mind your contact lenses by respecting when they need to be discarded, cleaning them properly, and by not going swimming with them on, for instance.
Look for good-quality sunglasses with lenses that can block both UVA and UVB rays. A hat or cap can also help!
Whether you need to see an optician, an optometrist, or an ophthalmologist will depend on your personal circumstances, but any of the three will help you and point you in the right direction.
UV light can damage your eyes and increase the risk of cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye). The best way for you to protect your eyes against this is by wearing sunglasses.
These are packed with carotenoids, which may help against macular degeneration and, consequently, blindness.
Fatty fish such as salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which has the opposite effect to omega-6 fatty acids: it's anti-inflammatory. Include fish in your diet twice a week for better results.
This, of course, includes other foods, such as chips, pies, and cakes.
Many packaged foods, such as cookies, contain high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids. These promote inflammation and can contribute to macular degeneration.
Cases of shingles of the eye, or herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), are increasingly common, so just take a vaccine and reduce the risk considerably.
Sources: (The Healthy)
See also: What is computer vision syndrome, and how do you combat it?
Your computer screen should be just below eye level. This will allow for your eyes to close slightly, which will consequently reduce the risk of dry eye syndrome. Plus, it will help your overall posture.
There are numerous benefits to moving around, including improved circulation, which has a direct impact on your eyes.
Spinach is rich in lutein, which may prevent age-related macular degeneration. Include spinach in your diet twice a week.
"Glaucoma has no symptoms until it’s too late and if caught early, it can be treated and controlled in most people," advises Dr. Lylas G Mogk, ophthalmologist and medical director.
“Long-term smoking increases the risk for age-related macular degeneration,” ophthalmologist Gregory J. Pamel says.
Not being mindful may increase the risk of eye infections, as well as depriving the cornea of oxygen.
Talk to your doctor about getting some eye drops. Some of these can really alleviate the itch, and help when you're having an allergic reaction.
According to a study, 150 minutes of exercise per week reduced the risk of developing glaucoma by at least 40%.
You should also wear goggles when swimming. This is particularly important in a swimming pool, as your eyes will be exposed to chemicals such as chlorine.
Sight is one our five senses. Many of us, however, do have problems with our vision. These can range from mild issues to more serious conditions. But even for those blessed with 'eagle eyes,' surely you'd want to keep it that way.
In this gallery, you'll find a number of things you can do that can help you avoid future issues with your eyesight, as well as actually improve your vision. Click through, and see for yourself!
Simple things that can improve your vision
You can do things now to prevent problems later on
LIFESTYLE Eyesight
Sight is one our five senses. Many of us, however, do have problems with our vision. These can range from mild issues to more serious conditions. But even for those blessed with 'eagle eyes,' surely you'd want to keep it that way.
In this gallery, you'll find a number of things you can do that can help you avoid future issues with your eyesight, as well as actually improve your vision. Click through, and see for yourself!