Tips For Maintaining A Healthy Eyesight

A lot of people believe that deteriorating eyesight is a result of ageing and is incurable. However, there are a plethora of studies that reveal the effects of a good diet and blue light blocking glasses for a healthy eyesight. Here are the top tips for maintaining healthy eyes and keeping every eye disorder like cataract, macular degeneration, Dry Eye Syndrome, etc. away.

Eat Nutritious Food

1. Carrots

Carrots serve as rich sources of the two major antioxidants for eye health – Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Apart from this, they also contain beta-carotene, a major precursor for the production of Vitamin A.

2. Oranges

Like all other citrus fruits, oranges are rich in Vitamin C and I can’t stress enough on the importance of this Vitamin for eye health. They are also high in beta-carotene which aids in night vision. The high water content also helps to keep the eyes hydrated.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries contain anthocyanins that help lower inflammation and high blood pressure, strengthen collagen structure in the retina and also prevent any blockage in the arteries supplying blood to the retina. Further, it strengthens the blood vessels behind the eyes.

4. Legumes

Lentils, kidney beans and black beans are a storehouse of bioflavonoids and zinc. While both these elements help to combat diseases like macular degeneration and cataract, zinc is stored in the eye in abundant quantities to protect it from light damage.

5. Green Leafy vegetables

Spinach, along with other green leafy vegetables like kale, and collard greens is an excellent source of Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Both these antioxidants are stored in the macula part of the eye. Just as glasses with blue light coating reflect back blue rays, they absorb blue light rays passing through the eyes to block them from reaching the retina.

6. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers store almost everything that you’ll need for your eyes – Vitamin C, beta-carotene, Lutein and Zeaxanthin. A bowlful of these green bells everyday can combat those prevalent eye disorders and defects.

7. Nuts

Our eyes, like other parts of the body, house some ‘free radicals’ that hit other cells, and thus breakdown the tissues. Nuts like almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews and pistachios contain good amounts of Omega-3. This nutrient is able to fight off these unstable molecules and save our eyes.

Prevent Blue Light Damage

1. Limit Screen Time

Staring into computer screens for long hours puts immense strain on the eyes. Try to look for alternatives. You can start by switching Kindle with paperbacks and playing board games in place of online entertainment.

2. Follow The 20-20 Rule

When you have to sit in front of the screen for several hours in a single stretch, look away from the screen after every 20 minutes for about 20 seconds. This break will help to reduce strain on the eye parts.

3. Wear Blue Light Glasses

Blue light glasses are the latest revolution in the eyewear industry. The special coating helps to reflect back any blue rays falling on your lens, hence preventing them from entering your eye. You can ask your optician to add an anti-blue light coating on your lenses.

4. Blink More Often

Make a habit of blinking as often as possible when you are working on the computer. Blinking helps to spread tears evenly in your eyes and thus prevent them from getting dry.

5. Use Artificial Tears

Artificial tear drops are also used to lubricate your eyes. You can put one or two drops in each eye two times a day or whenever they feel dry. You can also pour these drops each time you get off your work desk.

6. Add A Humidifier

A humidifier is used to humidify the air in the room. It works by sending moisture loaded cold vapours into the air. You can add a humidifier under your table as this will help to keep your eyes from getting dry.

7. Go For Regular Eye Tests

It is more than essential to go for routine eye check-ups in the UK. Regular eye tests can help to identify any optical defects in their initial stage. While an elaborate eye test by a professional can cost you a fortune, you can go for a free eye test in Walkden and Bury.