Nowadays, people spend a lot of time looking at their smartphones, TVs, and computer screens, which can cause eye fatigue and increase the risk of age-related eye problems. It’s a good idea to have regular eye exams to catch and treat any issues early on before they become serious.
However, not every eye problem needs medication. You can improve your eyesight naturally without spending a lot on eyeglasses or treatments. Here are some tips for keeping your eyes healthy:
### Eat the Right Foods
Just like the rest of your body, your eyes need various nutrients to function well. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like zinc and copper, can help improve your vision. Antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene protect the macula, the part of your eye that can be damaged by sunlight. These antioxidants are found in egg yolks, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, and yellow peppers.
Studies show that eating green and yellow vegetables can help prevent age-related macular degeneration, a condition that can lead to blindness. To enhance your eye health, eat salmon and flaxseed which are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Foods like eggs, broccoli, zucchini, and leafy greens are also rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, essential for retina health. You can also take these carotenoids as supplements to protect the macula by increasing pigment density and absorbing blue and UV light.
### Exercise Your Eyes
Good nutrition is important, but eye exercises can also improve your vision and reduce eye floaters. Perform these exercises in the morning, evening, or whenever your eyes feel tired. Make sure your hands are clean before touching your eyes and stay relaxed. Warm your palms by rubbing them together and place them over your eyes for a few seconds.
You can also try looking at the ceiling and moving your eyes in a circular motion 8-10 times clockwise, then counter-clockwise. Massaging your temples with your thumb knuckles is another way to exercise your eyes.
### Exercise Your Body
Maintaining a healthy body weight and regular physical activity is also beneficial for your eyes. Obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, which can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and lead to diabetic retinopathy.
Protecting your eyes from potential hazards is essential too, whether you’re playing sports like racquetball or conducting experiments in a science lab.
By following these tips and taking care of your eyes, you can help ensure they stay healthy for years to come. It’s also recommended to have your vision checked annually, and finding a good eye doctor, like those at Crown Vision Center in St. Louis, can be a smart move.