Your eyes are an essential part of your daily routine which helps you appreciate the beauty of the physical world. It is made up of complex tissues and nerves which processes the way you see light and colors. Poor eyesight is often a result of aging, but advanced studies recently concluded that a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals may help slow down the process. Learn more about some practical tips for good eye care and how your daily meals can help you maintain good eye health.
Tips for healthy eyes:
Maintain good hygiene
Common eye diseases can be caught from poor hand hygiene. Always make sure that you always wash or sanitize your hands most especially after you go to the restroom. Cut your fingernails as needed and never remove/put on your contacts if you have dirty hands to prevent infection. Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent irritation.
Don’t sleep with contacts on
This is a common practice for some people who are too tired to remove their contact lenses or have the habit of dozing off while in the middle of reading/watching television. Contact lenses absorb bacteria and other germs when you’re doing everyday activities like taking showers and even swimming. Failing to remove and clean your contacts after a long day puts your eyes at risk of developing infections and other serious medical conditions like blindness.
Wear protective eye gear
Whether you’re an athlete or work at a woodshop, you always need to wear protective equipment to ensure that your eyes are shielded from the repercussions of your strenuous tasks. Buy sunglasses which provide protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun. there are also a variety of safety goggles available in the market for those who work with tools on a daily basis.
Visit your doctor regularly
The American Optometric Association recommends that you see your ophthalmologist every other year even if you have no vision problems.
Recommended diet
Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats can help promote a healthy vision. Infuse ingredients rich in essential vitamins like vitamin C and E. Make it a point to eat food rich in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids like fish and poultry. Medical News Today recommends these healthy options for good eye health:
- Fish (omega-3) – salmon, tuna, sardines
- Nuts (vitamin E) – lentils, walnuts, peanuts
- Citrus fruits (rich in antioxidants) – grapefruits, oranges, lemons
- Seeds (vitamin E, omega-3) – chia seeds, flax seeds
- Vegetables (beta carotene, vitamin A) – carrots, sweet potatoes
- Leafy vegetables (vitamin C) – collards, spinach, kale
- Meat (zinc) – beef, chicken
General disclaimer
Always consult your doctor before taking any medicine. Your doctor will be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-864522-1 (8-UNILAB-1) or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
