Physical Tip – CARING FOR YOUR EYES

We all know the old adage, “Prevention is better than cure.”  That’s definitely true when it comes to taking care of your eyes and your body in general.  Today I will share with you some foods you can eat to improve and maintain the health of your eyes.  After all, no one wants to be blind.  And if, like me, you wear corrective lenses or currently suffer with some eye disease, then you certainly know the importance of and value quite a lot your eye sight.

Four (4) EYE CARE TIPS:
If you work in air conditioning, as is the case in many countries, or live in a temperate country you will experience dry eyes due to the dry air. So use of these simple eye care tips can prevent damage to your eyes:

1. Remember to blink every few minutes – this lubricates your eye.  We naturally do not blink when watching TV or in front of a computer screen.

2. Use a few drops of eye lubricant at least twice a week before going to bed to help relax and restore moisturize to your eye.

3. Avoid smoke-filled areas.

4. Practice moving your eyes right to left (x7), up and down (x7), clockwise and anti-clockwise (x3), as exercise for the muscles in your eyes each day.

Foods for the EYES:
Carrots, Squash, Apricots, Orange, Spinach.

In general, orange and yellow foods are good for the eyes since they contain Vitamins A and C.  Carrots provide the richest source of beta-carotene, which the body transforms into Vitamin A. Squash contains beta-carotene and potassium which help to prevent the formation of cataracts.  Spinach, although not a yellow or orange food, contains two (2) carotenoids – lutein and zeaxanthin – which are very effective in preventing loss of vision.  Added to this you can purchase a supplement with Vitamins A, C and E.

EYE diseases you can PREVENT:
1. Cataracts
2. Glaucoma
3. Conjunctivitis
4. Night blindness
5. Macular degeneration of your retina

For additional quick tips, information and resources for your total health and well-being visit, MPSE Health or check out the blog posts for previous weeks.