I
have a confession to make. I wear glasses. Shocking, I know.
However, the real confession is that even though I wear glasses, I
don't ever really think about eye health. I mean, I know about
glaucoma, cataracts, and how diabetes can be disastrous for your
eyes. I just never really give a thought to general eye health. I
never question just how healthy glasses/contacts really are. I never
really think anything of it when my prescription glasses have to
strengthen. I just go to my annual checkup, wear my glasses, and
occasionally remember to turn on the blue light filters on my
devices.
Recently, I came across
a great article while browsing Wellness Mama's blog. It went into great detail on
how she began improving the eyesight of her daughter using natural
methods. I had never thought to even ask if you could use more
natural methods. This sparked a frenzy of research and a decision to
inform myself, and you, about natural eye health.
Nutrition
Like so many things in
life, your eyesight can be greatly improved by what you eat. Your
diet can also play a big part in preventing future eye conditions.
One of the most notorious nutrients for eye health is vitamin A.
There are actually 2 different forms that this vitamin can be found
in. First there is retinol. Retinol is vitamin A that is derived
from animal products. This version can be used directly by our
bodies and is found abundantly in whole milk dairy, and beef or
chicken liver. Provitamin A carotenoids are found in fruit and
vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, and
cantelope). These are converted to retinol in our bodies. The most
infamous one of these is Beta-Carotene. Vitamin A helps to protect
the surface of our eyes, preventing infections and helping to prevent
vision loss due to macular degeneration (AMD).
Vitamin A also helps improve night vision. Vitamins C and E, as
well as Lutein are also great for your eyes and can help prevent age
related vision loss (from AMD), slow down the formation of cataracts,
and help keep your eyes healthy over all.
Herbs
You should all know by
now that I have a love for herbs and all the amazing things they can
do for us. Like in every other situation in life, there are several
herbs that you can turn to for help with your eyes. Eyebright,
Euphrisia officinalis, has a reputation for being great for
your eyes. A reputation that has been well, and truly, earned
throughout the years. In the 14th century, it was a
cure-all for the eyes. It is used to reduce inflammation of the eye
caused by irritation or infection. Other beneficial herbs for the
eyes include garlic and turmeric (help prevent
cataracts), bilberry and black current (help improve
night vision and reduce visual fatigue), ginko (improves blood
circulation to the retna), and coleus (reduces the production
of fluid in the eye).
Healthy Habits
One of the most
important things you can do for your eyes is to utilize proper eye
protection. I'm talking sunglasses, blue light filters, etc. UV
damage can severely increase the risk of developing major eye issues
later in life, as well as cause a loss of vision in the shorter term.
Keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar under control are also
great ideas to keep your eyes healthy. Both can severely effect your
vision and eye health. The absolute most important tip for eye
health, however, is to visit your eye doctor regularly. Many
problems with your eyes start with little to no symptoms. Your eye
doctor, however, will test for these and knows what to look for to
get an early diagnosis.
I hope this has
encouraged you (and me) to think more about your eyes. Please seek
out other tips and feel free to share. Do you have any questions or
comments? Post them below!
Resources:
5 Foods for Healthy Eyes:
Health:
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20680738,00.html#beyond-carrots-0
9 Herbs for Healthy Eyes:
Mother Earth Living:
http://www.motherearthliving.com/Health-and-Wellness/ask-the-herbalist-herbs-for-healthy-eyes?pageid=1#PageContent1
How to Improve Eyesight
Naturally: Wellness Mama:
https://wellnessmama.com/36927/improve-eyesight/
Keeping Eyes Healthy:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Food-Nutrition-and-Wellness/Living-Healthy-in-Florida/Healthy-Learning/10-Tips-for-Living-Healthy/Keeping-Eyes-Healthy
Natural Eye Health:
Mother Earth Living:
http://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/natural-remedies/natural-eye-health-zmez13mjzmel
Vitamin A and
Beta-Cerotine: Eye Benefits:
All About Vision:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/nutrition/vitamin_a.htm
Vitamins for Vision:
Cooper Vision:
https://coopervision.com/eye-health-and-vision/eye-vitamins-vision
