Eye health is one of the most challenging things to maintain in this age where we are constantly surrounded by screens. Since we cannot avoid electronic displays, we must encourage other methods to maintain good eye health. Getting regular checkups is necessary to prevent many eye disorders, illnesses, or injuries. But you can also do so much more on your own for your eyes. Health experts have created this list of natural methods you can use to achieve good eye health and prevent your eyesight from becoming weak, naturally or otherwise.
1. Consume key vitamins, nutrients, and minerals
You can eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E to promote good eye health. Foods that contain zinc can also help prevent macular degeneration in the eyes. Omega-3 rich foods may also help keep your eyes healthy. These are a few food suggestions that you can consume;
- Fish, like salmon
- Vegetables, like carrots
- Greens, like broccoli and spinach
- Fruits, like strawberries, sweet potato, and oranges
- Red peppers
Carotenoids are usually found in fruits and vegetables. They are vital for improving eyesight. Zucchini, broccoli, eggs, and leafy green vegetables are their most significant source
2. Stay healthy and fit
Exercising regularly helps achieve fitness goals for the complete body. Maintaining a healthy weight and strength helps achieve countless physical health milestones, including healthy eyesight. Obesity is a precursor to numerous illnesses, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are appalling for vision because they damage blood vessels. Therefore, you should keep working out to keep the blood flowing in your body normally.
3. Check your blood sugar levels regularly
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition in which eyesight is damaged because of an excessive amount of sugar circulating in your bloodstream. This condition generally manifests in diabetes patients. It lets blood and fluid leak into your eyes, damaging your eyesight. Therefore, you should get your blood sugar levels under control. Get them examined regularly, stay fit, and keep consuming healthy foods to keep your eyes well.
4. Learn to manage chronic health conditions better
Several conditions linked to chronic inflammation can harm your eyes, like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and heart conditions. Inflammation of the optic nerve can severely impact your eyesight. However, if you continue to manage these conditions with proper treatments, you can ensure good vision until you reach very old age. Please follow all the precautions regarding diet and fitness listed by your doctor.
5. Use protective eyewear
A lot of activities can harm your eyes. Therefore, you should always wear protective eyewear when playing racquetball, doing construction work, participating in a science experiment, or any other similar activity. Such gear is essential to protect your eyes from shrapnel, chemical spill, or gas leak. Also, make sure you wear your helmet and protective glasses when playing any other games, especially when going on a shooting range. Eyes are extremely sensitive –even a stray elbow during a basketball game may cause them harm. Even swimming in polluted waters may cause itching or inflammation in the eyes. Therefore, it is vital you always use activity-specific eye gear.
6. Wear sunglasses in summer
Sunglasses don’t just make you look cool –they also protect you from glare and the elements in your everyday life. In fact, wearing glasses is one of the most important things you can do to safeguard your eyesight. If you have weak eyesight, wearing appropriate glasses can ensure your vision doesn’t deteriorate further. Also, make sure to never look directly at the sun, especially during an eclipse.
7. Follow the 20-20-20 principle
Your eyes work all day, every day. In fact, your eyes typically work more than most other organs, despite being one of the most sensitive body parts. They need a break every now and then, especially when doing an activity that strains eyesight. Nowadays, most of us extensively use digital screens. When your work involves a lot of staring at a screen, follow the 20-20-20 principle to ease up the burden.
This principle means you should work for 20 minutes straight, then stop staring at the screen in favor of looking at something almost 20 feet away for up to 20 seconds. Simple, right?
8. Quit smoking
Smoking is one of the most hazardous activities you can do. In addition to countless problems, it also harms your eyesight. Smoking promotes the development of cataracts and macular degeneration in the eyes. Fortunately, most body parts start recovering from the damage once you quit smoking. So, get on with the resolution to quit smoking as soon as possible.
9. Learn any hereditary eye conditions and take precautions
Some eye disorders are inherited, like glaucoma, retinal degeneration, atrophy, age-related degeneration, etc. Being aware of them will allow you to take timely precautions to safeguard your eyesight.
10. Develop good hygiene habits
It cannot be stated enough that your eyes are some of the most sensitive body parts. As a result, they are very vulnerable to pathogens, germs, and infections that may harm them. Even some simple pathogens that cause itching may hinder your vision, decreasing the quality of your everyday life. Therefore, you should always keep your hands, face, and lens clean.
