Eye Care and Vision
Information on Eye Care, Eye Diseases and Eye Disorders
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Understanding Vision and Eye Care
The gift of sight, while key to the human experience, can be a fragile one. Sometimes it takes a little effort and awareness to preserve our eyesight. While not all eye problems can be prevented, a lot can be done to slow the progression of many eye disorders and prevent visual impairment.
There are a number of ways in which to care for our eyes. The importance of good nutrition cannot be emphasized enough. A healthy diet, along with protection from the sun, and necessary precautions to guard against eye diseases are the a few simple steps towards maintaining optimal eye health.
Maintaining Proper Eye Care
There are several keys to maintaining proper eye health that will help to preserve the quality of your eyesight and guard against the development of eye diseases. Among these are keeping to a proper diet, providing protection against harmful sunlight and avoiding cigarette smoke.
Good Nutrition and a Balanced Diet
A healthy balanced diet rich in all the essential nutrients and vitamins is necessary not only for general health and well-being, but for eye health too. Vitamins A, C and E in particular play an important role in eye health which is why you may remember your mother always telling you to eat your carrots!
A great source of vitamin A and E, carrots have a long history of improving eye health and enhancing night vision. Other great sources of these anti-oxidant vitamins are oranges, kiwis, grapefruit, dried apricots, tomatoes, peppers, green leafy vegetables including lettuce and spinach, green peas, green beans, nuts, seeds, dairy products, eggs, cheese, fish, poultry, and milk.
Eating a diet low in saturated fats but rich in omega 3 fats may also prevent and slow down the progression of eye-related problems. Minerals and nutrients are also essential in neutralizing the effects of harmful free-radicals thus reducing the risk of age-related eye problems.
There is a relationship between obesity and poor eye sight, so it is essential to lose weight if it has become an issue in your life. Obesity not only increases the chances of diabetes, and thus diabetes-related eye problems, it has also been implicated in an increased risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Protect Against the Dangers of Sunlight
The eyes are particularly vulnerable to continuous exposure to intense sunlight. Studies have shown that the harmful UVA and UVB rays contained in sunlight may be a contributing factor in a number of eye disorders, particularly in the development of cataracts. Sunglasses and UV filters are the best way to protect your eyes from the possible damage caused by these sun rays.
UV filters are often present in prescription glasses and contact lenses, so be sure to confirm with your optometrist that your prescription includes UV filters. Sunglasses that block sun exposure from all angles are also important, so make sure that you wear a good quality brand that adheres to UV protection standards.
Quit Smoking
It is now known that smoking harms the delicate tissues of the eyes. Research has revealed the negative relationship between smoking and eye diseases and has shown that those who smoke are considerably more likely to develop cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Smoking has also been proven to worsen diabetes-related eye disorders. To stop smoking naturally can therefore drastically reduce eye damage and prevent eye problems, making it one of the most preventable ways of reducing eye damage.
Have your Eyes Checked Regularly
One of the most essential steps to keep the eyes healthy is to have them tested on a regular basis. In fact while few people know this, you should have your eyes tested at least every two years to ensure that any eye problems are picked up as early as possible.
Many eye problems progress fairly slowly without the individual even realizing that something is wrong. By having your eyes tested many eye conditions can be diagnosed early, and their progression slowed down or stopped before severe permanent damage has occurred.
