There’s no denying it and there’s no getting around it. Maintaining healthy eyes as you age is a priority. At different ages for different people, our physical competencies begin a downward trend. Depending on how advanced in years you are, you know exactly what this feels like. It sneaks up on most of us before we realize it. You just cannot do what you used to do.
Our eyes are not exempt from this fact of life that humans have faced since the beginning of time. Fortunately, we have advanced science and eye doctors to help us combat any deterioration of vision we may experience. And the fight against the effects of father time may be easier than you think.
Maintaining healthy eyes and vision starts with not only what goes in your eyes, but also what goes in your mouth. Choosing foods rich in antioxidants with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids are important to the parts of the eye responsible for central vision. So, remember this tip: eating the rainbow will help with seeing the rainbow!
Not only will eating a diet consisting of different color fruits and vegetables help you maintain healthy eyes, but supplementing your diet with specific vitamins can help to nourish and protect your eyes.
Several other disciplines will contribute to a healthy lifestyle as well; which in turn contributes to healthier eyes and better vision. Regular exercise, getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night, washing your hands, and avoiding environmental toxins are all ways to combat the effects of aging on our eyes. Studies have shown that Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two vitamins that may prevent cataracts.
When it comes to what goes in our eyes, there are a couple different ways to protect them so they will serve us well into later life. Choosing sunglasses that shield both UVA and UVB light greatly reduces the amount of radiation from sunlight. Also, keeping our screens approximately two feet away from our eyes and taking a break every 20 minutes to focus on an object for 20 seconds help guard against the damage our devices can do to our eyes.
To be sure you are doing all you can to protect your eyes and maintain your vision, call Palmetto Eye & Laser Center at 864-583-6381. You can also get in touch with one of our ophthalmologists using our online contact form.
