Eating poorly
Eating right is not only good for our overall health but also for our eyes. But have you ever wondered if the opposite is true? Does eating poorly negatively affect our eyes? A recent study published by the British Journal of Ophthalmology has identified certain foods that can lead to macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss. To protect your eyesight, it's important to know which foods to avoid and which ones to include in your diet.
Foods that can lead to macular degeneration:
- Processed foods high in saturated and trans fats
- Sugary drinks and snacks
- Red meat and processed meats
- Foods high in refined carbohydrates
Foods that are good for your eyes:
- Leafy greens and carotene rich vegetables, such as spinach and kale
- Fatty fish with Omega-3, like salmon and tuna
- Lean meat & poultry
- Sunflower seeds and nuts
- Fruits and berries
Changing your diet can be notoriously difficult, but one approach to "unlearning" the habit is by adding healthier options when you cook, then gradually shifting towards meals that are entirely healthy.
Too much screen time
Are you spending too much time in front of screens? Reading on computers and digital screens may cause glare and reflections, making it difficult on your eyes. Excessive screen time can lead to the following eye health issues:
The reality is that screen time is just about unavoidable these days, but there are measures you can take that will help protect your eyes.
- The 20-20-20 rule: a healthy eye habit that can help relieve eye strain before it becomes too much of a problem. After every 20 minutes of screen time, stop and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Lower your screen brightness: Keeping your screen as low as possible can help mitigate the amount of light your eyes are receiving from the screen.
- Minimizing screen time: The most obvious but perhaps most difficult solution for too much screen time is minimizing screen time altogether.
- Try setting specific daily "no screen time” goals or taking breaks by turning off your phone or tablet.
- Blue-light filtering glasses: Make use of blue light filtering glasses, which are specially designed for use with screens and may help reduce the amount of blue light your eyes receive.
- To see if blue light filtering glasses are right for you, schedule an eye exam at Pearle Vision.
Not wearing sunglasses
No force affects our eyes more than the sun, and it’s always affecting us whether or not we realize it, as UV and UVB rays are still coming through during the winter and on cloudy days. That’s why it’s important to wear sunglasses, even on days when the sun might seem to be taking the day off. Doing so gives your eyes the protection they need against harmful UVA & UVB rays.
