10 Easy Ways to Healthy Eyes

It’s easy to forget how important eye health is, until
a problem comes up. Here are some easy,
commonsense tips to help avoid macular
degeneration, cataracts, blurry “computer” vision
and more.<p.
1. Eat greens. Ingesting lots of leafy green
vegetables like spinach, collard greens and kale
help avoid macular degeneration. (The “macula” is
an area at the back of the eye that enables us to
see fine details. When the macula doesn’t work,
there is blurriness or darkness in the center of our
vision).
2. Take vitamins. There are supplements made
specifically for eye health. Be sure that they include
these: Vitamins A, C, E and B2 and the minerals
zinc and selenium.
3. Keep your eyes hydrated. A simple saline
solution can help to lubricate and soothe eyes. (Be
sure to check with your doctor if you experience
stinging or burning in your eyes, or a sandy or gritty
feeling, or you don’t produce tears when you cry.
These symptoms could indicate “dry eye,” a
condition that needs medical attention).
4. Eat apricots and blueberries. Blueberries are
associated with reduction of eye fatigue and
apricots are rich in beta carotene and lycopene,
both of which promote good vision.
5. Get plenty of Omega 3 fish oil. It helps clear
eyesight and eye health. (Heart-healthy diets in
general tend to be good for the eyes as well, since
blood circulation is so important to eye health).
6. Pamper your eyes. Try placing two slices of
soothing cucumber over closed eyes for 15
minutes. It cools and refreshes the eyes.
7. Drink tea. It’s thought that drinking tea might
help to deter cataracts.
8. Try Bilberry. This herbal remedy, according to
some herbalists, can help to improve night vision.
9. Wear UV filtering sunglasses. Harmful UVA and
UVB rays can contribute to cataracts.
10. Give them a break. If you work at a computer,
remember the 20/20/20 rule. Take a break every 20
minutes. For 20 seconds, look at something 20 feet
away or farther. This allows your eyes to refocus
and relax and prevents the blurry vision that can
occur by staring at a computer screen for too long.
These common sense tips, in addition to regular
visits to a qualified ophthalmologist, will help your
eyes stay healthy for years to come.