5 Tips for Optimal Eye Health

Most of us are well aware of the five senses bestowed to us through which we interact with our environment, i.e. vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch, right? But how many of you have ever really wondered which of these is considered as the most valuable.

Sure, each of these senses is invaluable in its own right, but vision is considered to be the most important of all, as it is used to perceive about 80% of all impressions.

So, now you’re getting a better idea of why you should tend to your eye health much more seriously, and if not, it’s going to hurt your pocket as well. Wait a minute, did I just say ‘your pocket’? Let me get it right, it hurts ‘our’ pockets!

Eye Health

Wondering how? Let me refer you to a study titled ‘The Economic Burden of Vision Loss and Eye Disorders in the United States, according to which vision problems cost the US government about $139 billion annually.

In fact, neglecting eye care not only affects you financially, it also affects your quality of life. One in six American adults (aged 45 and above) suffer from one or the other type of eye problem and the risks associated with vision loss only grow as you age. According to estimates by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), by 2020, 43 million-plus Americans will be affected by age-related eye diseases.

If eye problems like cataracts, low vision, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy make you cringe, you better protect your eyesight, because a little eye care now will go a long way in maintaining your eyesight in later years of your life. One of the best ways is to follow these 10 tips for optimal eye health.

1: Healthy Diet Healthy Eyesight

Yes, it starts as simple as that; you are what you eat and so is your eyesight. Foods rich in nutrients like vitamin C and E, zinc, lutein and omega-3 fatty acids strengthen your eyes against age-related eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. Some great foods for eye health include:

• Vegetables: Leafy green veggies like spinach, collards and kale
• Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel
• Fruits: Citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits and oranges
• Nonmeat protein sources: Eggs, nuts and beans

2: Quit Smoking

Haven’t been able to quit smoking yet? Need some added motivation? What about not getting cataracts, macular degeneration and uveitis (in addition to various other health issues)? Research suggest that the likelihood of smokers getting affected from these debilitating eye conditions increases twice to thrice. So, here is to those of you who like their eyesight more than a cigarette.

3: Shades are Helpful

If you considered sunglasses a mere fashion accessory, think again. A right pair of shades can help you stay away from cataracts, macular degeneration and pinguecula by blocking out sun’s harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays. A good pair of UV protection sunglasses can block 99 – 100% of harmful UV rays. In case you are wondering, UV protection contact lenses are also available.

4: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Protective Eyewear

Safety glasses are highly recommended if you are exposed to some sort of hazardous airborne materials at job or even at home. Not only that, resort to protective glasses if you are into sports like ice hockey, lacrosse or squash/racquetball.

5: Avoid Excessive Exposure to Computer Screens

In addition to causing neck, back and shoulder pain, staring too long at a computer/phone screen can affect your eye health severely. Some of the eye problems you can get from excessive exposure to computer/phone screens include:

• Eyestrain
• Dry eyes
• Blurry vision
• Long distance focus issues

Some Protective Measures Include:

• Updating your glasses or contacts prescription for screen exposure
• Seeking proper medical care in case of prolonged eyestrain and considering computer glasses for computer use
• Choosing a comfortable supportive chair and positioning it where your feet lie flat on the floor
• Blinking more if your eyes dry up
• Following 20-20-20 rule where you rest your eyes every 20 minutes by looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds continuously
• Taking 15-minutes breaks every 2 hours and getting up from your chair is also recommended