Our top tips on ways to boost your eye health

Good vision is essential to leading a full and healthy life. After all, we rely on our eyes for almost everything, and they’re our key to seeing the world. But did you know that taking steps to protect your eyes from daily wear-and-tear and potential eye conditions can help you keep that visual clarity? Fortunately, there are many eye health tips that – if practised regularly – will help maintain excellent eye health without any fuss. As National Eye Health Week commences this month, continue reading to learn all about how you can take action at home for healthier eyes now!

Healthy eating

Healthy eating is not just about feeling good; it’s also about seeing well! Did you know that the foods you consume have an impact on your eye health too?

Who would’ve thought that one of the best ways to protect our eyes is to give in to mum’s advice about eating our greens? Leafy greens like kale, spinach, cabbage and broccoli contain lutein and zeaxanthin – which are yellow plant pigments that stop blue light from reaching the retina. These pigments then reduce the risk of cell degeneration, in turn lowering the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

Incorporating Omega-3-rich oily fish like salmon and mackerel, which contain fatty acids, improves the function of the meibomian glands, which produce the oily part of tears and work to lubricate the eye, easing dry eye symptoms. Lastly, if you want further protection from blue light and the risks of AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration), consider adding orange foods like oranges and carrots to your diet. This is because they contain carotenoids that work wonders for your eyes by absorbing damaging blue wavelengths of light emitted into your eyes. So next time you’re cooking dinner, just know you’re not only fuelling your body but also your eyes.

Healthy lifestyle

It’s time to dust off your running shoes and renew your gym membership because regular exercise is proven to improve eye health too. Regular low-impact workouts, like yoga or walking, have been shown to lower eye pressure and reduce the risk of developing eye conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and AMD.

Other lifestyle changes to consider implementing are quitting smoking, as this will lower your chances of developing cataracts and AMD, and drinking plenty of water (the Food Standard Agency recommends we drink 6-8 glasses of water a day). Staying hydrated can prevent dry eyes, which is especially important if you spend long periods of time staring at a digital screen without blinking often. Although these might be difficult changes, they will highly benefit you further down the line.

And don’t forget to give your eyes a rest from digital screens. Consider trying the 20:20:20 rule – every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at an object 20 feet away. With these simple vision health tips, you might even give your eyes the break they deserve and feel less tired at the end of the day.

UV protection

Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement that we love; they’re also the best form of protection from harmful UV. That’s why a pair of polarised sunglasses with 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays is a worthwhile investment. Not only will it save you from the discomfort of glare, but it will also protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun that can cause eye conditions and diseases. So go ahead, rock those stylish shades while keeping your eyes safe and sound!

Regular eye exams

As important as it is to maintain healthy vision habits at home, there’s no denying the importance of seeing an optometrist regularly. While it’s easy to assume that our eyes are doing just fine, there could be underlying issues that you may not be aware of. So, it’s highly recommended to schedule a visit with an optometrist every two years or every year if advised by your healthcare professional. This is crucial as they can detect any changes in your vision and detect eye conditions in their early stages. If you haven’t gotten your eyes tested in a while, you can visit us at our opticians in Kenton or Baker Street.

The next steps

National Eye Health Week provides us with a platform to spread awareness and encourages us to prioritise eye health in our lives. So let’s make a difference together and keep our eyes healthy – book an appointment today or visit our opticians in Baker Street or Kenton to find out more!