Top 5 tips for healthy eyes
Looking after your eyes in something that we don’t necessarily think about, but which is important, especially as we age. Here are our top tips:
- Eat well for your eyes. Foods, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc and vitamins C & E, can help to prevent age-related eye problems, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Try to eat several portions of the following each week:
- green leafy vegetables, especially spinach and kale
- eggs
- nuts
- beans
- oily fish
- citrus fruits
- Stop smoking, as it increases the chances of you developing cataracts, as well as helping to prevent optic nerve damage and macular degeneration
- Protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays. Buy a pair of good quality UV protective sunglasses, which will that block out 99% – 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. This will also reduce the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration. Remember, never look directly into the sun, even with your sunglasses on
- Try not to look at your computer screen all day, as this can cause a number of problems, including eyestrain, focusing issues, dry eyes, blurred vision, headache and a combination of neck, back and shoulder pain
- Get your eyes checked regularly by a qualified optician and avoid buying glasses and lenses online unless you have an up-to-date prescription and a full eye health check, including checking for glaucoma. It is never too young to start looking after your eyes. Make sure your children have their eyes tested regularly and especially before they start school.
