| Eye Health
The eyes are complex sensory organs. They are designed to optimize vision under conditions of varying light. Their location, on the outside of the face, makes them susceptible to trauma, environmental chemicals and particles, and infectious agents. The eyelids are the major protective mechanism for the eye.
Good nutrition is very important for both your general and eye health. Good nutrition helps our body to grow, repair wear and tear, protect against infection and to function properly. Most of Eye conditions could be prevented by eating fresh vegetables, fat (animal and plant) and protein such as meat, milk, yogurt, dairy products, grains, eggs, cheese, fish, poultry etc. A good diet, full of fresh fruits and vegetables, may help protect against macular degeneration in later life. Some studies have shown that a good diet can help in preventing AMD and age-related cataracts. Vitamins, which contain
antioxidants, have been linked with eye health in various studies and clinical trials. They help to maintain healthy cells and tissues in the eye. The main focus has been on the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins can be found in many different sources of fruit and vegetables such as oranges, kiwis, dried apricots, green leafy vegetables carrots, spinach, tomatoes, peppers. They can also be found in nuts, seeds, dairy products and eggs. These are only a few of the food types in which antioxidant vitamins can be found.
More recently it has been suggested that two types of antioxidants, known as carotenoids, called Lutein and Zeaxanthin may also help with eye health. Lutein and Zeaxanthin can be found naturally in vegetables and fruit. For example, Lutein can be found in yellow peppers, mango, bilberries and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, chard and broccoli. Zeaxanthin can be found in orange sweet peppers, broccoli, corn, lettuce
(not iceberg), spinach, tangerines, oranges and eggs. Many of these overlap with food types in which vitamins A, E and C are present.
Taking antioxidants, Vitamin C, E, beta-carotene and the nutritional supplements of zinc, selenium and manganese minerals may help in preventing eye-disorders. Diets rich in antioxidants, especially vegetables and fruits, will protect the eyes from forming macular degeneration. This will also benefit the body with excellent mineral and vitamin intake including lutein and the B vitamins. Diet that includes vegetables, fruits and food rich in antioxidants may helps in preventing blindness.
Scientific evidence has proven that sunlight with ultraviolet rays is harmful and accelerates macular degeneration and cataracts. Everyone in the Sunshine State, especially on the Sun coast, should wear sunglasses as sunscreen for your eyes.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you can eliminate risk factors that accelerate macular degeneration you can help prevent blindness. Smoking and alcohol consumption accelerate macular
degeneration and blindness.
Take adequate rest. Rest will refresh the eyes and help them work more efficiently. Regular exercise improves your blood circulation. Only then your eyes are sure to receive enough oxygen for good performance.
Drink at least 12 glasses of water to avoid any kind of puffiness in the eyes. Drinking lots of water helps to flush out waste from the body.
Remember these key points for healthy eyes:
- Get your eyes tested at least every two years and more frequently if necessary
- Eat a good, balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
- Discuss how to improve your eye health with your eye doctor
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