Maintaining a clear, sharp vision is important so you can continue to see and experience life to the fullest. Unfortunately, most of you do not give much thought to your eyes until your eyesight gets blurry. While some vision problems become more common as you get older, they can affect anyone at any age, some of which can have a profound impact on your independence and quality of life. Visual impairment makes it difficult to perform your day-to-day tasks and move about unaided.
Take care of your eyes
Taking good care of your eyes can help preserve your eyesight and stave off vision problems later in life. Good eye health starts with the food you eat. Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Quit smoking or never start. Smoking is bad for your eyes because it can cause damage to your optic nerve.
When you are outdoors, wear sunglasses to block out the sun’s UV rays which can increase your risk for cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Always give your eyes a rest after spending long hours at the computer or focusing on any one thing. Remember to get your eyes checked on a regular basis to detect eye diseases in their early stages, when they are easier to treat.
Herbs for natural eye care
The following herbal extracts work synergistically to maintain healthy vision naturally and protect against certain sight-threatening diseases. Bog bilberries contain high amounts of anthocyanins, making them one of the richest sources of dietary anthocyanidins. These polyphenolic components possess great antioxidant properties, protecting the capillaries of the eyes from free-radical damage. They help promote microcirculation for efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the eyes. Anthocyanidins also increase the production of rhodopsin, a pigment in the eye which helps improve night vision.
Marigold is a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin. In addition to their role as antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin have been proven to replenish the macular pigment layer that helps filter blue light emitted from the sun, digital devices and LED lighting. It is beneficial for protecting the eyes from the development of AMD.
Widely used by herbalists, eyebright is touted as a natural remedy for various eye conditions, including eye infections (particularly conjunctivitis or pink eye) and other forms of eye-related irritations. Additionally, eyebright is also good for soothing discomfort from eyestrain.
Chinese wolfberries, also known as goji berry, have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. These mighty fruits are power-packed with highly advantageous antioxidant and nutritive properties. The polysaccharides found in wolfberries can potentially protect the eyes from diabetic retinopathy. Wolfberries are also beneficial for relieving dry eyes.
Lycopene, an important carotenoid in tomatoes for good vision, has been shown to protect the eyes against light-induced damage. It may reduce the risk of developing cataracts and AMD.
