If there is one thing that is true about the human body, it
is the fact that there is always a reaction to every act we are exposed to. We
are what we eat; we are what we drink and how you treat your body now would
determine how well or how bad it will treat you later on. This is why health
practitioners harp on healthy living habits because consistent, prolonged
neglect of any part of the body can be detrimental to overall health.
Humans are creatures of habit. Experts say it takes only 21
days for repeated actions to become a habit. Sadly, some habits we adopt do a
load of harm to the body and we, most times, are unconscious of the fact until it
degenerates to a grim state. This applies to general healthcare and especially
eye care. Despite the fact that the eye is one of the most important parts of
the body, we tend to overlook its care until something happens. And sometimes,
all it takes for good eyesight is simple lifestyle modifications and adopting
healthy habits. Some habits that damage eyesight include the following:
The body is a system, so all parts work together to form an
effective whole. When one aspect of one’s health is overlooked, it can affect
other parts. Things like managing cholesterol and blood pressure can improve
eyesight.
“If someone has high blood pressure, he is at a higher risk
of having damage to the eye that can lead to vision loss. There are certain eye
diseases associated with diabetes and high blood pressure. So, ensuring that
these levels are normal will automatically prevent the eye diseases associated
with them. Exercising and eating balanced, healthy foods are ways to check
cholesterol and high blood pressure,” Dr. Foluso Adeyeye, an ophthalmologist,
said.
Spending long hours staring into computers, TVs, books and
phones.
The effects of spending long hours staring into computers,
TVs and phones have been well-documented. It causes eye strain, eye fatigue,
eye irritation, headaches, light sensitivity, dry or irritated eyes and double
vision.
These arise as a result of “near point stress,” which is the
stress of too much close vision work on the eyes. According to experts, every
hour one spends on the computer can contribute to vision loss. But the fact
remains that in today’s world, close vision work is inevitable; many people
work with computers, do a lot of studying, spend time on projects, book, or
video games for hours. However, the key to good vision in spite of close vision
work is adopting a few habits. Take regular breaks. Stand, stretch or just look
off into the distance every 15 minutes to give the eyes a break. Ensure proper
lighting to prevent strain on the eyes. Blink often.
Not eating the right foods for the eye
Carrots and other orange-coloured fruits and vegetables are
good for the eyes, this is public knowledge. This is because they contain
Beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A, which helps the retina and other parts of
the eye to function smoothly, thus promoting eye health and protecting vision.
But eating your way to good eyesight isn’t only about beta-carotene. Foods rich
in Omega 3-fatty acids are great for the eyes. Such foods include nuts,
sardine, tuna and salmon. Citrus fruits and bell peppers which are very rich in
Vitamin C have also been discovered to be great for the eyes.
Mismanaging stress
Have you noticed that sometimes, your vision is a little
worse when you’re tired or under stress? Have you also noticed that you see a
little better when you’re energised or relaxed? This is because the visual
system is very sensitive to stress, tension and fatigue of any kind, whether
it’s physical, emotional or mental. We can’t avoid stressful situations
completely, but learning how to effectively manage stress will not only do the body and mind general good,
but will also benefit the eyes also.
Smoking
It is a widely known fact that smoking does great damage to
the body, but many may not realise the effect this habit has on one’s eyes. It
can increase the risk of suffering from cataracts and retinal diseases that
lead to vision loss. It also makes existing eye problems such as age-related
macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage worse.
Lack of eye check ups
Dr. Moses Itta, an optometrist, says, “Whether you are
having any noticeable signs of eye problems or not, you should make it a habit
to have regular eye exams. Regular eye exams can help save one’s sight because
early detection of eye problems is crucial to preventing vision loss from many
eye diseases, especially diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Children should be
tested at birth, at six months of age, before entering school and periodically
throughout the school years. For adults, the frequency depends on one’s
doctor’s advice and may be every two years or more often. If you have diabetes
or an eye disease, you should go every year for a comprehensive eye exam.”
Source: Tribune
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