Maintaining Healthy Eyes

Your eyes are the windows to your soul they say, and the way we can see the world, so it is important to care for them just like we do all the other organs in our body. Due to our obligations to the society and a fast paced world, where a lot of us are spending long hours on the computer screen or in front of a television, its important to make sure that your eyes are not strained by too much, and that you are working under adequate light.

In order to promote good eyesight, it is important for your diet to contain the proper amounts of vitamin A, B’s, C, and E; and the minerals selenium and zinc. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of these vitamins and minerals; include plenty of these in your diet, especially dark colored and yellow-orange foods such as carrots, yams, peppers and cantaloupes. A well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help keep your eyes healthy.

Another important consideration is the exposure to direct sunlight, which can be quite damaging for the delicate proteins of the eyes, causing cataracts. Hence its important to wear ultraviolet (UV) protective sunglasses that block both types of UV rays, UV-A and UV-B. This especially is true for children, and their sunglasses should be of a good quality to block out these rays.

Here are some simple tips for keeping your eyes healthy and strain – free:  

  • Include vegetables that are full of beta-carotene in your diet these include the yellow-oranges vegetables such as carrots, peppers, pumpkin, squash and also foods that give your good amounts of vitamin E – such as seeds and nuts, avocado, walnut, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
  • Drink fresh carrot juice – about a ½ a cup a day – its loaded with beta-carotene. This can help to prevent or alleviate some eye problems.
  • Please eliminate sugar and white flour from your diet. Not only will you loose weight, but this action will also help your general overall well being.
  • Do eye exercises that help with eye strain and stress – Focus on a point at a distance for a minute and then change the focus to a point up close for a minute, repeat this activity often during the day.
  • Rub your palms briskly until they feel warm, close your eyes and cup your hands over your eyes, with your fingers pointing upward. Hold your hands over your eyes for a minute. This activity helps relax and refreshes your eyes as well.
  • Try to avoid using any products that contain coal tar in and around your eyes. Avoid using hair dyes containing coal tar on the eyelashes or eyebrows; doing so can cause injury or blindness.
  • Be careful when using any prescription or over-the-counter medications. Some may cause serious eye problems. Recreational drugs such as marijuana and antibiotics such as tetracycline and streptomycin can also cause disturbances in color distinction.
  • Talk to your medical doctor if you notice vision deterioration or changes after starting drug therapy of any kind. Consult your health care provider if you develop any of the following conditions: change in pupil size; eye pain or pain on eye movement; impaired vision; intolerance to light; known exposure to gonorrhea or Chlamydia; or swelling, tenderness, or redness around the eyes.

By: Dr. Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor.

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