Eye Health A New Vision of Health
“All right , Mr DEMILLE, I’m ready for my close-up”
Norma Desmond ——-Sunset Blvd (1950)
Writing these notes late into the night and rubbing my eyes got me thinking that all this work cannot be good for the eyes, then I remembered a conversation I overheard about thirty years ago. Two women were discussing the changes that befell them after age forty. Apparently it was predicted that at age forty one of them would need glasses, then she said the moment she hit forty; you guessed it she had to obtain a prescription for glasses. This prompt me to stop everything and ask myself, is that really possible and if so what could have caused her body to make such changes right on que. so the following is a result of most of what I found
Alright, let’s talk about those amazing windows to the world—your eyes. Whether you realize it or not, keeping your vision healthy is just as important as taking care of the rest of your body. And trust me, you can protect your vision for the long haul with a few simple tweaks to your daily routine and some power-packed nutrients. Let’s dive in!
The Power of Nutrients: Carotenoids Are Your Friends
Poor nutrition is one of the leading causes of macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness for people over the age of fifty five.
Your eyes need fuel just like the rest of your body. Ever heard of carotenoids? These are natural pigments found in colorful fruits and vegetables, and they’re like superheroes for your eyes. The two big ones you want to know about are lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids hang out in the retina, where they protect your eyes from harmful blue light, which comes from things like computer screens, phones, and even the sun.
Lutein and zeaxanthin act like natural sunglasses for your eyes, filtering out harmful light and fighting off free radicals that cause damage over time. Want more of these in your diet? Load up on leafy greens like spinach and kale, along with colorful veggies like carrots, peppers, and corn. Not only are you getting great nutrients, but you’re also supporting your overall eye health.
Vitamin A is another key player in keeping your vision sharp. It helps maintain the surface of your eye and is essential for good night vision. Foods rich in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Beta carotene, another carotenoid is converted in the liver to vitamin A,this produces vitamin A for the bodies needs and uses. It is always a great idea to eat all the yellow and orange or yellow-orange fruits and veggies, your eyes will thank you as will the rest of your body
But carotenoids aren’t the only show in town. Let me introduce you to anthocyanosides—powerful antioxidants found in dark berries like blueberries and blackberries. These bad boys fight off free radicals that can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes. They also help improve night vision and protect against retinal damage. So the next time you reach for a snack, grab a handful of berries—they’re like fuel for your eyesight.
And don’t forget about omega-3 fatty acids—they’re crucial for eye health, especially for keeping the retina in good shape and preventing dry eye. You’ll find these in fatty fish like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
The Everyday Things That Hurt Your Eyes (and How to Fix Them)
Now, here’s the part we don’t always think about: the little things we do every day that can actually hurt our eyes. Let’s be real, how often are you glued to a screen? Computer screens, phones, tablets—it’s part of life now, but staring at them for hours can cause eye strain and fatigue. It’s called digital eye strain, and it’s no joke. Your eyes weren’t built for staring at a glowing screen all day.
The fix? Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for 20 seconds, and focus on something at least 20 feet away. This gives your eyes a break and reduces the strain.
Also, UV light is another villain here. You wouldn’t head to the beach without sunscreen, right? The same goes for your eyes. Exposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts and other serious eye conditions. Solution? Invest in a good pair of sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. Your future self will thank you.
Dry Eyes: A Silent Annoyance
If you spend a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms or in front of screens, chances are you’ve experienced dry eyes. Your eyes need moisture to stay healthy, but sitting in front of a fan or staring at a screen without blinking enough can cause dryness and irritation. To combat this, make a conscious effort to blink more often, and use artificial tears if you need them. Omega-3s, as mentioned earlier, also help keep your eyes lubricated from the inside out.
Sleep and Eye Health
And here’s one you might not expect: sleep plays a big role in eye health. During sleep, your eyes rest, repair, and replenish their moisture levels. Not getting enough shut-eye can leave your eyes feeling gritty and tired.
Wrap-Up: Protecting Your Vision for the Future
Here’s the bottom line: your vision is precious, and taking care of it doesn’t have to be complicated. Eat a diet rich in colorful veggies, blink often, wear sunglasses, and give your eyes the breaks they need. Your eyes work hard for you, day in and day out, and with just a little extra care, you can keep them sharp and healthy for years to come. You’ve got the power to protect your vision—now let’s make it happen!