Habits to Support Optimal Eye Health

Beautiful woman sitting with healthy green food and drinking smoothie at home. Vegan meal and detox conceptYou may know that it is essential to maintain regular eye exams with your ophthalmologist. This eye professional goes beyond checking your vision. They observe various functions and parts of your eyes that are involved in providing you with the clearest vision possible for as long as possible. Your routine eye exams measure pressure, observe your optic nerve and retina, and evaluate your corneas for signs of cataracts. But they are not the only thing that stands between you and your risk of eye disease. What you do daily also influences your eyes. Here, we discuss a few healthy habits you may want to implement sooner rather than later. 

Wear Sunglasses

We’re coming to the time of year when the skies may get a little more cool and gloomy. Still, the American Academy of Ophthalmologists suggestion regarding sunglasses holds value. Even when it is mildly cloudy outside, the eyes are absorbing UVA and UVB light. Proper sunglasses will block 99 to 100 percent of these rays. In so doing, sunglasses can reduce the risk of cataracts and other potentially serious eye diseases. 

Exercise 

Exercise is good for losing weight, staying slim, and building muscle. What does any of this have to do with the eyes? When we exercise, we increase blood circulation. The blood carries oxygen to all parts of the body to help with functions like tissue regeneration. The retina and optic nerve benefit greatly from optimal oxygenation, which comes via regular cardio exercise. 

Take Your Vitamins

Many of us learned as children that vitamins help us grow big and strong. While the words we use to express may be different, the concept of vitamins is still the same. When it comes to eye health, there are particular vitamins that provide immense value. These include:

  • Vitamin A supports healthy corneas. We can consume vitamin A in carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, and oily fish. 
  • Vitamin C may help us avoid cataracts. This nutrient is found in citrus fruits, broccoli, and peppers.
  • Vitamin E may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. We consume it when we eat avocados and nuts and seeds. 
  • Lutein can help reduce retinal damage caused by blue light. This can be consumed in leafy greens, kale, and spinach. 

We can discuss more ways to protect your eyes and long-term eyesight when you visit one of our friendly offices. Contact us today to schedule a visit in Canfield, Alliance, or North Canton. 

Posted in: Eye Care

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