As we are approaching the New Year, people all around the world will be making New Year’s resolutions. The majority of 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. Looking after your eye health can have a positive impact on your overall health, quality of life and long-term vision.
Here are our tips to help keep your eyes healthy for the New Year:
1. Food and Nutrition for Healthy Eyes
Good eye health starts with your diet and nutrition. Eating a well-balanced diet may help reduce the progression of eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Ensure you regularly include the following foods in your diet:
A) Green Leafy Vegetables
Foods such as spinach and broccoli are rich in lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin A which are important nutrients for maintaining healthy eyes.
B) Fish
Fish such as salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for eye health and may help reduce symptoms of dry eyes.
C) Non-Meat Protein Sources
Eggs and nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, all of which support overall eye health.
D) Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports healthy blood vessels in the eyes.
E) Water
Drinking plenty of water helps keep your body and eyes hydrated. This may reduce symptoms associated with dry eyes.
For more information on foods that support eye health, click here.
2. Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of poor health. It affects every organ in the body including the eyes.
Smoking increases the risk of developing eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
3. Drink Alcohol in Moderation
During the festive period, it is easy to overindulge in alcohol. Excessive drinking may worsen dry eye symptoms and can also act as a trigger for migraines.
For further information on how alcohol can affect your eyesight, click here.
4. Give Your Eyes a Rest
We live in an era where computers, tablets and mobile phones are used daily. Extended screen use can lead to computer eye strain. To help reduce strain, blink regularly and take frequent breaks.
For every 20 minutes of screen use, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This is known as the 20-20-20 rule.
5. Exercise Your Eyes
With busy daily routines, it is easy to neglect your eyes. Taking a few minutes each day to perform simple eye exercises may help relieve visual fatigue.
One example is the “shifting” exercise. Slowly move your gaze from one direction to another, such as from the right corner of your vision to the left.
Further eye exercises can be found here.
6. Exercise Regular
Regular physical activity benefits your overall health and wellbeing. Exercise is also known to be beneficial for your eyes.
Studies have shown that regular exercise may reduce the risk of developing eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.
7. Schedule Regular Eye Health Appointments
Ensure you attend regular healthcare check-ups, including routine visits to your optician.
Building and Keeping Healthy Habits to Maintain Eye Health
Many people start the New Year with strong intentions but it is easy to lose motivation after the first few months.
To maintain healthy eye habits, start small, set realistic goals and take consistent action that fits into your daily routine.
We and the team at Home Eyecare would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
To start your New Year positively, why not give us a call to book your free home eye test today.