Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in General Eye Health on November 29, 2017
There are many steps you can take to keep your body healthy, including your eye health and vision. There are many factors that contribute to your eye health and these are a couple ways you can protect your vision!
Eat Healthy
It is no secret that what we fuel our body with has an effect on every aspect of our health. To keep your eyes on their A game it is important to keep your diet rich in many things including Lutein, Zinc, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Vitamins C and E.
Some examples of food you can eat to fill your diet with these nutrients are:
- Fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel)
- Nuts & Seeds (walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds)
- Whole Grains (brown rice, whole wheat pasta, quinoa)
- Leafy Greens (kale, spinach, collards)
- Citrus Fruits & Vegetables
Stay Hydrated
It is important to keep your body not only fueled with the right food but plenty of water. Your eyes can only properly function when they have plenty of fluid that is keeping them hydrated. When you become dehydrated you can run into issues with tear production which will result in dry eyes. Drinking at least eight ounces of water every few hours is an easy way to keep hydration at the front of your mind. One way to make sure you are drinking water throughout the day is to keep a water bottle handy, filling it up whenever it may be getting low.
Wear Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses outside helps protect your eyes from the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays that come from the sun. The longer that your unprotected eyes are exposed to UV rays the higher your chances of developing cataracts or macular degeneration later in your life are. When buying a new pair of sunglasses, it is important to make sure that they block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Quit Smoking
It is well known that smoking is the leading cause of serious health conditions that affect your lungs, heart, and much more. What most people don’t know is how smoking negatively impacts your eyes and puts you at an increased risk of developing cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome. It is important to know the risks that are associated with smoking when it comes to your total health, including your eyes. By quitting smoking, you can help reduce your risks of developing one of these eye conditions!
