The eyes are one of the most important organs in the body. They help us navigate. They allow us to see the beauty in the world.
You should do everything you can to keep your eyes healthy. A nutritious diet and regular exercise support eye health. You should also keep your eyes protected and quit smoking to reduce the risk of eye disease.
March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month. It’s the perfect time to focus on eye health. Read on to learn six reasons why eye health is important.
6 Reasons Why Eye Health is Important
It Prevents Cataracts
Cataracts are characterized by clouding of the lens. They are the leading cause of vision loss. They can be caused by normal changes in the eye, age-related vision issues, or they can be related to eye injuries, surgeries, and other eye conditions.
You can prevent cataracts by protecting your eyes from the sun, avoiding eye injury, quitting smoking, and making healthy food choices.
It Reduces the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy causes vision loss and blindness in diabetics. It damages the blood vessels in the back of the eye. It can lead to diabetic macular edema and neovascular glaucoma, which can cause more extensive vision loss and blindness.
You can prevent diabetic retinopathy by lowering diabetes risk or managing diabetes symptoms. A healthy diet and exercise routine will help. Regular eye exams will catch symptoms early on.
It Lowers Glaucoma Risk
Glaucoma is characterized by damage to the optic nerve. Patients will begin to see dark patches in their peripheral vision. If untreated, the condition can cause complete blindness.
You can prevent glaucoma by quitting smoking and wearing eye protection. Schedule regular exams if you are at risk. Prescribed eye drops can keep the condition under control.
It Prevents Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the gradual breakdown of the eye’s light-sensitive tissue. It causes loss of central vision. Your peripheral vision will remain the same.
Smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure increase the risk of macular degeneration. Eat healthy, exercise, and keep blood pressure under control. Talk to your doctor about prevention measures.
It Reduces Eye Strain
Eye strain can cause headaches, eye pain, and other symptoms. It can also lead to more serious conditions.
Proper eye care will reduce eye strain. Wear sunglasses when out in the sun. Reduce glare on your computer. Take breaks throughout the day to ensure your eyes don’t get overworked.
Good Eye Health Means Good Overall Health
Many of the things you do to improve eye health, such as following a healthy diet and exercise routine, promote better overall health. For example, you will see a boost in eye health and general wellness if you:
• Consume a diet rich in omega-3s and dark, leafy greens.
• Exercise to lower your risk of conditions that contribute to eye disease, like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
• Avoid smoking, which can harm your lungs and increase your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Supplements Can Help
If eye health is important to you, and you don’t feel your diet and exercise routine is doing enough to support it, supplements can help. Recommended supplements include:
• Codeage Eyes Vitamins+: These supplements offer a combination of vitamins, omega-3s, and antioxidants that support eye health and vision.
• Premier Research Labs OcuVen Vision and Eye Support: OcuVen contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and other herbs that reduce the risk of eye disease.
Eye health is so important. A combination of a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle practices will prevent eye disease. Your optometrist will have more insight into managing any potential vision problems. What will you do to protect your eyesight?
