It probably doesn’t need to be said; we treasure our vision. It would be hard to imagine life without it. It’s our primary means to experience the world around us. And when you think about it, it’s quite remarkable. Our eyes take in rays of light emanating from our field of view, bend them and shape them and focus them. Then process them into impulses that travel through millions of nerve endings until they reach the brain, which ultimately produces an image that helps us to make sense of all that surrounds us. Our eyes are also delicate and sensitive and are definitely something we need to take care of.
Of course as we age, so do our eyes. We may find that at some point we need reading glasses, even if we never needed vision correction before, and later we may develop cataracts. Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, which can make things appear blurry, hazy or less colorful. While there is no definitive proven way to prevent cataracts, there are definitely steps we can take to keep our eyes as healthy as possible throughout our lives. Here are some tips for keeping our eyes in the best shape possible:
1. Eat a healthy diet
A consistent diet of whole, unprocessed foods that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables will help you get the vitamins and minerals you need to maintain healthy eyes and healthy vision. Some studies show that vitamins and phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, specifically vitamins A, C and E, lutein and zeaxanthin, may actually reduce the risk of cataracts.
2. Exercise regularly
Exercise raises oxygen levels in the cells and increases blood circulation, which revitalizes organs and glands. It’s good for the whole body, including the eyes. Plus, it just feels good.
3. Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses help to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging UV rays. A 2014 study, funded in part by the National Eye Institute, links chronic sunlight exposure to an increased risk of cataracts. Wearing a wide brimmed hat when outdoors is also a good idea to help protect your eyes from the sun.
4. Don’t smoke
Doctors have found a relationship between smoking and higher chances of developing cataracts. In fact, smokers have double the risk of developing cataracts than non-smokers.
5. Cut back on the alcohol
There is some evidence to suggest there may be a link between alcohol consumption and cataracts. While the relationship is not clearly understood, it’s a good idea to enjoy your beer, wine and cocktails in moderation.
6. Visit your eye doctor yearly
Even if your vision is healthy and clear, make sure you visit your eye doctor every year. Regular visits help your doctor to evaluate the health of your eyes and check for early signs of eye disease such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Early intervention is key in managing these conditions, and it just might save your sight!
7. Avoid digital eyestrain
This one is not related specifically to cataracts, but definitely to healthy vision. When working at a computer, be sure to keep your eyes moving. Look up and out a window or simply look away from the screen every few minutes. Frequent breaks helps relieve tension in the visual system created by sustained focus.
8. Keep diabetes well controlled
People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts compared to non-diabetics. But keeping your glucose levels well controlled may help keep your eye’s lenses clear and healthy. Work closely with your doctor to maintain good blood glucose levels.
Your eyes are precious. Following these simple tips will help to keep your eyes healthy.
References:
https://nei.nih.gov/news/briefs/uv_cataract
http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/cataracts.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20443769
https://www.vsp.com/prevent-cataracts.html
https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/5-tips-for-healthy-vision-for-your-lifetime/
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/diabetes-cataracts
