Nutrition is Closely Interrelated to Preventive Eye Care

The eye performs the function of sensing light and transmitting the signals through the optic nerves to the brain. The brain registers the images and acts accordingly. The importance of this organ can never be overstated. When dealing with an organ as sensitive and as important as the eye, preventive eye care is always better than remedial eye cure.

Proper and timely eye care blunts macular degeneration, which is a harmful consequence of the natural process of aging. A simple habit of visiting the doctor periodically for a check up of the eyes helps a lot in preventing eye problems.

Nutrition and eye care is closely interrelated. Good food rich in vitamin A, E etc will protect you from eye problems. In this regard, it is pertinent to remember that:

• Carrot is a rich source of vitamin A

• Spinach is a rich source of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant. It slows the onset of macular degeneration and deterioration of eyesight.

• Vitamin E and Vitamin C strengthens connective tissues in the eye and thereby contributes to the eye health.

• Zinc and other such minerals are good for the eye. Omega-3 fatty acids, which is present in fish oil, reduces macular degeneration of nerve cells. It too contributes to ocular health.

• Aloe vera is rich in ambrotose. As a nutritional supplement, it prevents eye infections and improves immunity.

• Red Blood Cells are vital for the eyes as it ensures proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system. Vitamin B-12 is beneficial in this regard.

• Bilberry extract, aspalathus and mahonia grape extract are herbs that are beneficial for the eye. Bilberry is good for optic nerves and night vision. Aspalathus aids immunity and ocular health, as it is rich in antioxidants. Mahonia extract is good for the retina.

Just as physical exercises for the body keeps it fit and healthy, exercises for the eye improves overall eye health and eyesight. Regular exercises for the eye are a must.

• Strengthen eye muscles by alternatively concentrating on a tip of pencil placed a foot away and another farther object using just one eye.

• Deliberately blink 15 times in a minute to keep your eye clean, lubricated and tension free.

• Cure tunnel vision by training the mind to be aware of the complete scene. This helps in increasing awareness of peripheral images.

• Rapidly flutter blink for at least 25 times in a day.

You should take special care of your eyes if your answer to any of the following questions is in affirmative:

• Do you watch television for long periods sitting close to the TV? Is this true for your children?

• Does your computer monitor have an UV filter? Do you let children use such monitors?

• Are you a welder? Does your work other wise expose you to powerful UV radiation? Do you use proper safety goggles?

• Do you use sunglasses when you go out in the sun? Do you protect your eyes from harmful UV rays of the sun?

• Are you a chemist who experiments in laboratories? Are you otherwise exposed to UV light? Do you use protective equipment?

Good eye care involves taking care of your eyes- physically, nutritionally and psychologically . Take care!