Healthy Vision: What’s best for your eyes and what’s not

Having healthy eyes is a blessing which we sometimes take for granted.  Are you taking the necessary steps to keep your eyes healthy? Just the way we take care of our body by eating healthy and exercising, we need to make sure we do the same to ensure the best health for our eyes.

Follow a healthy diet

The mouth is the gateway to the body, meaning everything you eat has a direct impact on your overall health, and this includes our eyes. Foods such as leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, chicken, and other food rich in proteins and vitamins are great for the eyes. Carotenoids are the yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments which give color to plant parts such as ripe tomatoes, squash, and peppers.  In the grocery store, think twice before you buy a bag of chips high in salt and preservatives. Go for healthier foods instead as they provide your eyes with the nutrients needed to function properly.

Get enough sleep

Sleep can help your eyes recover from a long day at work or school. This is because the muscles in the eyes that are responsible for focusing and eyelid movement relax when you sleep. Adequate sleep can prevent the dark circles seen under our eyes as well as helping prevent dry eyes.  My doctor recommends sleeping at least 7 to 8 hours a day, more for teenagers and younger children.

Choose the appropriate eyewear

Sunglasses add a lot of value to your style quotient, but, choosing the right ones that protect your eyes from harsh sunlight and UV radiation is essential for healthy vision. Use anti-reflective lenses while working on a computer, and approved sports goggles for any sport where you might get hit with a ball, a bat or a body part. If you are working in potentially dangerous environments, protective eyewear, like safety goggles are a must!

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol

People who have a history of smoking and alcohol consumption are said to be more susceptible to irritation, redness or dryness in the eyes. This is because tissues in the eyes tend to become dried out with exposure to smoke and drinking alcohol can cause dehydration. 

Rest your eyes while at work

Staring at computers, iPad or phones for a long time is one of the most common causes of eye-related irritation. The muscles in the eye that are responsible for visually focusing on an object become fatigued when you stare at a screen for long periods without a break. Hence, we suggest you follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away at something that’s at a distance of at least 20 feet from you, for a duration of 20 seconds. This relaxes the muscles and considerably reduces eye-related fatigue. Also, don’t forget to blink often as it keeps the cornea moist.

Putting a little effort towards maintaining healthy vision can go a long way. Don’t forget to visit your eye doctor regularly so that we can check for any unexpected issues with your eyes.