One of the ways that you can improve your eye health as well as prevent any illnesses or injuries from occurring is by getting regular eye exams. However, did you know that your diet and eye care can help improve your eyesight and your eye health? Here are some of the best ways to care for your eyes every day.
Vitamins and Minerals
Did you know that you can decrease your risk of developing eye diseases such as macular degeneration by taking vitamins A,C, and E? You can also take zinc since these all contain antioxidants thus decreasing your risk of developing certain eye conditions. Be sure to incorporate plenty of foods in your diet such as:
- Red peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Citrus
- Sweet potato
Also, don’t forget to include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish and flaxseed.
Include Plenty of Carotenoids
You will notice that diet plays a big role in improving your eyesight naturally, which brings us to another nutrient. Carotenoids are already found in the retina but can also be found in certain foods such as eggs, broccoli, zucchini, and greens. Zeaxanthin and lutein, which are the two carotenoids located in the retina, can also be taken orally with supplements. Carotenoids play a role in protecting the macula.
Exercise
While this may sound like a given, exercising definitely helps keep your eyes healthy and not just physically staying fit. Medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, can result in damage to blood vessels within the eyes. This results in an eye condition known as diabetic retinopathy. This also explains why many type 2 diabetics end up with this condition. Those who have too much sugar in their bloodstream can actually cause damage to their artery walls. Diabetic retinopathy results in light sensitivity and can greatly impact your vision.
This is why it is important to regularly check your blood sugar levels and exercise as much as you can to decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes alongside the complications it can bring.
Protect Eyes With Eyewear
Always remember to protect your eyes with the necessary eyewear no matter what activity you are partaking in. If you are playing certain sports or working on a science project, or even working on your vehicle, you should protect your eyes.
This is especially true and necessary if you are dealing with sharp objects, chemicals, or certain materials that can potentially harm your eyes if exposed to them.
Sunglasses should also be worn while outside since they can help protect your eyes from UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. Sunlight can cause eye damage if you do not wear the proper protection and lead to conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
There are many protective eyeglasses that are designed with polycarbonate making them much more durable than plastic.
Don’t wait to protect your vision. Start off by scheduling an appointment today to receive an eye exam thus making it easier for you to decide which route to take to protect your eyes naturally.