As we are approaching the new year people all around the world will be making New Years resolutions. The majority of New Years resolutions revolve around healthy lifestyles and building good habits this may include going to the gym more often, losing weight or giving up smoking. One of the best resolutions you can make this year is to focus on your eyesight this will have a great impact on your health, quality of life and overall eye health.
Here are our tips to keep your eyes healthy for the new year:
1. Food and Nutrition for Healthy Eyes
Healthy Eyes starts with your diet and nutrition. Eating a well balanced diet will reduce the progression of eye disorders such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Ensure you consume these foods :
A) Green Leafy Vegetables
Foods such as broccoli and spinach are high in lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin A.
B) Fish
Tuna and Salmon have a high content of omega 3 fatty acids.
C) Non Meat Protein Sources
Eggs and nuts contain omega 3 fatty acids, lutein, zexanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc.
D) Citrus Fruits
Oranges and grapefruit contain a high amount of vitamin C.
E) Water
Drink plenty of water it will keep you and your eyes rehydrated which may reduce the symptoms of dry eyes.
For in depth foods to eat click here.
2. Quit Smoking
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death globally. Smoking affects every organ of the body including your eyes. Smoking increases the risk of developing eye disorders such as macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
3. Drink Alcohol Moderately
During the past year and this festive period we may over indulge in our consumption of alcohol. Did you know excessive drinking can exacerbate symptoms of dry eyes and contribute as a trigger for migraines? For further information on how excessive drinking affects the eyes click here.
4. Give your Eyes a Rest
We are living in an era where the use of computers and mobiles is prevalent. To avoid computer eye strain blink more often and take regular breaks away from your workstation. For every 20 minutes of staring at the computer, look at a distant object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This technique is known as the 20-20-20 rule.
5. Exercise your Eyes
As we are constantly working and active in our day to day lifestyle there is a good chance that we may neglect our eyes. It is important to exercise your eyes on a regular basis. Take 10 minutes out in the day to to perform the ‘shifting’ exercise. Shifting involves rotating your eyeballs from one direction to another. Look to the right corner and shift your gaze to the opposite direction slowly. Further eye exercises can be found here.
6. Workout Regularly
Exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do for your health be it lose weight or mentally feel great. Exercise is also known to be good for your eyes. Numerous studies have shown that regular exercise reduces the risk of eye disorders such as age related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.
7. Schedule Healthcare Appointments
Do ensure that you have regular healthcare checkups including regular visits to your opticians. An eye test can provide more than just an insight into eye related problems.
Building and Keeping Healthy Habits to maintain eye health
We all start off strong with our intentions to keep our resolutions, it is so easy to start flaking away from your resolutions when you approach the third month. Only about 8% of people will achieve their new years resolution. To keep to your eye health resolutions, stay disciplined to take regular action in order to build habits, start small and set realistic goals that can be time managed in your schedule.
We and the team at Home Eyecare wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
To start your New Year why not give us a call to schedule your eye test appointment today.
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