The eyes have it

Often referred to as the windows to our soul, our eyes are super-sensitive organs that help us to see. While am skeptical about the windows and soul story, I certainly believe that we should be conscious about eye-health and protect our vision. I’ll tell you why in a moment.

I was born with a vision defect (which is not obvious now unless you try looking into my soul ) – I’ve got short sight and astigmatism. I am a voracious reader and my work depends on the ability to see. So let me share some tips with you on how to keep your eyes healthy. Here we go!

(And oh, I published this article for Gingerchai where I write every Tuesday and Saturday)

Strengthen your vision through nutrition:

Make sure you get enough antioxidant-rich foods such as Vitamin A, C and E. In fact, luteins and omega-3 fatty acids are being researched to prove that they can slow down age-related macular degeneration. Since most diets contain only a negligible amount of these nutrients that are required for healthy eyesight, take care to see that you get what you need.

Exercise

There we go again! Exercise, besides its myriad benefits, also enhances our blood circulation, bringing more oxygen to the eyes and removing toxins.

Stick to a healthy diet

Did you know that high fat diets result in deposits that restrict the flow of blood in the arteries? If you didn’t, you do now. What’s important is that the eyes are extra-sensitive to this since the eyes’ blood vessels are delicate.

Healthy foods for the eyes are:

• Carrots and sweet potatoes for vitamin A and antioxidant beta carotene, potassium and fiber
• Oranges – vitamin C and potassium, fiber, calcium and folate
• Strawberries – vitamin C, folate (a B vitamin), fiber, and phytochemicals
• Leafy greens and eggs – for lutein and zeaxanthin, iron, vitamin K and folate
• Nuts and seeds like almonds for vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids
• Fresh fruits – vitamin C
• Oily fish– Omega 3 fatty acids
• Oysters – antioxidant zinc

Kick the butt

Your cigarette butt, I mean. Give up smoking as smoking hinders blood flow to the eyes and also increases oxidative stress.

Guard your eyes

Wear eye protection to guard it from harmful UV rays. Look cool in a hat that has a brim to minimize the sunlight hitting your eyes. Sunglasses work too.

Get an eye check periodically

You never know when your vision can develop slight changes and the sooner you find out, the better, as you can get immediate attention and treatment.

Stay healthy!

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Stay healthy!
Vidya Sury