One of the essential parts of the human body is the eye. The body mostly uses it to see with light. Eye strain is a common problem today for a large number of people. Simple activities like reading and more difficult ones like using a computer for a long time can both negatively affect our eyes. The ability to see allows us to be aware of our surroundings. Our sense of sight accounts for 80% of what we learn.
Common eye disorders and diseases are:
- Age-related Macular Degeneration
- Amblyopia
- Astigmatism
- Cataracts
- Color Blindness
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Dry Eye
- Floaters
- Glaucoma
- Pink Eye
- Retinal Detachment
- Refractive Errors
- Strabismus
Some eye conditions are more likely to develop as you age. A few eye disorders may also be more likely to affect if you have a history of eye disorders in the family and are overweight.
Overall vision and eye health can be enhanced by supplementing your diet with potent vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, E, and zinc have been associated by researchers with lowering the risk of certain major eye diseases.
Fruits and vegetables like broccoli, corn, peas, and dark green leafy vegetables are the main sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. According to research, vitamin C can help prevent cataracts and can delay the course of age-related macular degeneration and vision loss. While Vitamin E shields eye cells from free radicals and unstable chemicals that damage healthy tissue. Omega-3 fatty acids nourish the oily outer layer of the eye and prevent inflammation. Lastly, zinc is essential for transporting vitamin A from the liver to the retina, where it is converted into melanin, an eye pigment that serves as protection.
Keeping our eyes healthy can be greatly aided by protecting our whole health. It is crucial to make healthy decisions and look after oneself. There are several things you can do to maintain the health of your eyes and guard your eyesight such as eating nutritious food, physical exercise, quit smoking, wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear, and resting your eyes.
Written by: DMO II (PNFP) Pryce Manrique
Reference:
Diet and Nutrition. (n.d.). Www.aoa.org. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/diet-and-nutrition?sso=y
CDC. (2019). Common Eye Disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/index.html
How your eyes work. (2020). Vision Initiative. https://www.visioninitiative.org.au/common-eye-conditions/how-your-eyes-work
Keep Your Eyes Healthy | National Eye Institute. (n.d.). Www.nei.nih.gov. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/keep-your-eyes-healthy
