You're NEVER too young to start to look after your eyes!

This week is Macular Degeneration Week. 

I'd like to take the opportunity to talk about eye health. I want you to take a minute and think…does your vision matter to you? How would it affect your life if you could not see? To most people, my guess is it would be pretty devastating! 

Eye related complaints such as eye strain, blurred vision, red eyes and visual fatigue are becoming increasingly common in younger generations. This is because we're spending hours staring at a computer, phone (Facebook!), ipad, kindle, television screen or computer games.

For older generations, blindness, either partial or complete, is usually caused by glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 

Although it can be difficult to cut down on computer time, fortunately there are natural ingredients that may alleviate the annoying symptoms of eye strain as well as reduce your chances of vision loss associated with age. Be proactive about eye health and ask your Practitioner how to maintain healthy vision. It’s never too early to start looking after your eyesight! 

Protect your eyes. You only have a pair of them!

The eyes are very delicate and vulnerable to damage from both external and internal factors which can ultimately affect eyesight.

In addition to dust and pollution from the outside environment, eyes are also prone to internal damage caused by the production of unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals are produced as a result of many natural processes within the body; they may cause damage to various bodily tissues including the eyes, if they are not balanced by antioxidants. Antioxidants, which can be obtained from the diet, help to counteract these damaging molecules and preserve the delicate parts of the eye. Factors that may contribute to increased free radical production include sun exposure, smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure. Improving antioxidant status can promote eye health by protecting the internal structure of the eye.

Nutrients to nourish your eyes

It has been shown that the introduction of anti-oxidant supplements especially Vitamin A,C and E, Zinc, Selenium and bioflavonoids can stabilise or even reverse some of the eye conditions we mentioned above. The other important nutrients are essential fatty acids. Some plant based nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin are actually found within the retina of the eye, protecting the eyes from sun damage and supporting healthy macula pigmentation. 

What to do on a day to day basis...

• As well as taking specific natural remedies, you can also take daily measures to support vision health.
• Eat antioxidant rich foods every day
• Antioxidants play a vital role in protecting the tiny structures of the eyes from free radical damage. Examples of antioxidant-rich foods are vibrantly coloured fruits and vegetables such as berries, beetroot and capsicum.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Being overweight increases the chances of high blood pressure and diabetes, which are both risk factors for vision loss. Ask your Practitioner about a professional weight management program to help you get back into a healthy weight range.
• Quit smoking
• Cigarette smoking increases the amount of free radicals which are detrimental for eye health. Your Practitioner can provide support to help overcome this harmful habit. 
• Have your eyes checked regularly
• Make the time to visit your Optometrist regularly to keep a check on your eye health and ensure your glasses or contact lenses are suitable for your current needs.
• Wear sunglasses
• The sun’s ultra violet rays can damage the eyes and increase the risk of macular degeneration and vision loss. Shield your eyes from the sun’s glare by wearing sunglasses when out in the sun.
• Take a break!
• Reduce visual fatigue and eye strain by taking regular breaks away from the phone, ipad, kindle, computer or television screen.