Keeping eyes healthy: Some Important Tips

Five Tips to Keep Eye Healthy

Eyes being one of the most delicate and vital organs of the body need special care. Protecting eyesight is one of the important aspects of a healthy life. This article shares few vital tips of keeping eyes healthy.

Good nutrition and a balanced diet

The goodness of health starts with a hearty diet. Our diet affects our eyes and it is essential to have nutritious foods. Omega 3-fatty acids, Vitamin C & E and Zinc help fight against diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Eating the given food items regularly helps in maintaining a healthy eyesight:

·         Green leafy vegetables

·         Oily fish such as tuna and salmon

·         Nuts, eggs and beans

·         Citrus fruits such as oranges

A balanced diet protects against obesity-related diseases such as diabetes that can result in diabetic retinopathy.

Protection against harmful UV rays

The harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause diseases such as cataracts, pinguecula and macular degeneration. Hence, it is essential to protect eyes from these rays. Doctors recommend wearing sunglasses while venturing outdoors during daytime. There are many branded sunglasses available in the market that block nearly 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Polarised lenses are pretty effective while driving.

Avoid staring at computers for too long

Most of us have the habit of staring at computer screens for too long without taking any break or blinking. This puts enormous stress on eyes and can cause:

·         Dry eyes

·         Headaches

·         Blurry vision

·         Shoulder and neck pain

To keep eyes healthy, ophthalmologists advise taking frequent breaks and regular blinking while working on computers for long hours.  Using anti-glare lenses and following 20-20 rule helps in relieving digital eye strain. Splash with cold water also helps.

Wearing protective eye wear

Eye injuries can severely affect vision and therefore it is vital to wear protective eyewear at home and workplaces. Certain sports such as ice hockey, boxing, and squash make eyes vulnerable to injuries. Wearing helmets with sports goggles and face masks while playing these sports protect eyes from serious and vision-threatening injuries.

Go for a regular eye examination

To keep eyes healthy, it is essential to have a regular eye examination. Be it children or adults, regular examination helps to detect diseases such as glaucoma. People who have a family history of eye problems should go for a routine check-up every year. Diagnosing eye diseases early make them easier to treat. Preventive steps can be taken if any ailment is diagnosed.  A comprehensive eye examination helps find out the overall health. As doctors can see veins and arteries without incisions, ophthalmologists can assess for risk factors like stroke, brain tumours, cardiovascular diseases, etc.