Healthy Eyesight is the basic requirement of every humankind second to Dental Hygiene, etc. But, for many, maintaining a healthy eyesight nutritional dietary plan is a no go zone. Be that as it may, through the following medical health and physical fitness revised guide, let’s cut the story short.
Top Causes of Healthy Eyesight Disorders
Most people have eye problems at one time or another. Some are minor and will go away on their own, or are easy to treat at home. Others need a specialist’s care.
Whether your vision isn’t what it used to be, or never was that great, there are things you can do to get your eye health back on track.
1. Eyestrain
Anyone who reads for hours works at a computer or drives long distances knows about this one. It happens when you overuse your eyes. They get tired and need to rest, just like any other part of your body.
2. Red Eyes
Do your eyes look bloodshot? Why? Their surface is covered in blood vessels that expand when they’re irritated or infected. That gives your eyes the red look.
Eyestrain can do it, and so can a late night, a lack of sleep, or allergies. If an injury is a cause, get it checked by your doctor.
Red eyes could be a symptom of another eye condition, like conjunctivitis(pinkeye) or sun damage from not wearing shades over the years. If over-the-counter eye drops and rest don’t clear it up, see your doctor.
3. Night Blindness
Is it hard to see at night, especially while driving? Is it tough to find your way around in dark places, such as movie theaters?
That sounds like night blindness. It’s a symptom, not a problem in its own right. Nearsightedness, cataracts, keratoconus, and a lack of vitamin A all cause a type of night blindness that doctors can fix.
Some people are born with this problem, or it might develop from a degenerative disease involving the retina, and that usually can’t be treated. If you have it, you’ll need to be extra careful in areas of low light.
4. Lazy Eye
Lazy eye, or amblyopia, happens when one eye doesn’t develop properly. Vision is weaker in that eye, and it tends to move “lazily” around while the other eye stays put. It’s found in infants, children, and adults, and rarely affects both eyes. Treatment needs to be sought immediately for infants and children.
Lifelong vision problems can be avoided if a lazy eye is detected and treated during early childhood. Treatment includes corrective glasses or contact lenses and using a patch or other strategies to make a child use the lazy eye.
5. Cross Eyes (Strabismus) and Nystagmus
If your eyes aren’t lined up with each other when you look at something, you could have strabismus. You might also hear it called crossed eyes or walleye.
This problem won’t go away on its own. You’ll need to get an ophthalmologist, or eye specialist, to correct it.
With nystagmus, the eye moves or “jiggles” all the time on its own.
6. Colorblindness
When you can’t see certain colors, or can’t tell the difference between them (usually reds and greens), you may be colorblind. It happens when the color cells in your eye (the doctor will call them cone cells) are absent or don’t work.
When it’s most severe, you can only see in shades of gray, but this is rare. Most people who have it are born with it, but you can get it later in life from certain drugs and diseases. Your doctor can tell you what’s to blame. Men are much more likely to be born with it than women.
Your eye doctor can diagnose it with a simple test. There’s no treatment if you’re born with it, but special contacts and glasses can help some people tell the difference between certain colors.
7. Uveitis
This is the name for a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the uvea. That’s the middle layer of the eye that contains most of the blood vessels.
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Eye redness
- Light sensitivity
See your doctor if you have these symptoms and they don’t go away within a few days. There are different kinds of treatment for uveitis, depending on the type you have.
8. Presbyopia
This happens when you lose the ability, despite good distance vision, to clearly see close objects and small print.
After age 40 or so, you may have to hold a book or other reading material farther away from your eyes to make it easier to read. Sort of like your arms is too short.
9. Floaters
These are tiny spots or specks that float across your field of vision. Most people notice them in well-lit rooms or outdoors on a bright day.
Floaters are usually normal, but they sometimes can be a sign of a more serious eye problem, like retinal detachment. That’s when the retina at the back of your eye separates from the layer underneath. When this happens, you might also see light flashes along with the floaters or a dark shadow come across the edge of your sight.
If you notice a sudden change in the type or number of spots or flashes you see or a new dark “curtain” in your peripheral vision, go to your eye doctor as soon as possible.
10. Dry Eyes
This happens when your eyes can’t make enough good-quality tears. You might feel like something is in your eye or like it’s burning. Rarely, in severe cases, extreme dryness can lead to some loss of vision. Some treatments include:
- Using a humidifier in your home
- Special eye drops that work like real tears
- Plugs in your tear ducts to lessen drainage
- Lipiflow, a procedure that uses heat and pressure to treat dry eyes
- Testosterone eyelid cream
- Nutritional supplements with fish oil and omega-3
If your dry eye problem is chronic, you may have dry eye disease. You doctor could prescribe medicated drops like cyclosporine (Cequa, Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) to stimulate tear production.
11. Excess Tearing
It has nothing to do with your feelings. You might be sensitive to light, wind, or temperature changes. Try to protect your eyes by shielding them or wearing sunglasses (go for wraparound frames — they block more wind than other types).
Tearing may also signal a more serious problem, like an eye infection or a blocked tear duct. Your eye doctor can treat or correct both of these conditions.
12. Cataracts
These are cloudy areas that develop in the eye lens.
A healthy lens is clear like a camera’s. Light passes through it to your retina — the back of your eye where images are processed. When you have a cataract, the light can’t get through as easily. The result: You can’t see as well and may notice glare or a halo around lights at night.
Cataracts often form slowly. They don’t cause symptoms like pain, redness, or tearing in the eye.
Some stay small and don’t affect your sight. If they do progress and affect your vision, surgery almost always works to bring it back.
13. Glaucoma
Your eye is like a tire: Some pressure inside it is normal and safe. But levels that are too high can damage your optic nerve. Glaucoma is the name for a group of diseases that cause this condition.
- An injury to the eye
- Blocked blood vessels
- Inflammatory disorders of the eye
Treatment includes prescription eye drops or surgery.
14. Retinal Disorders
The retina is a thin lining on the back of your eye that is made up of cells that collect images and pass them on to your brain. Retinal disorders block this transfer. There are different types:
- Age-related macular degeneration refers to a breakdown of a small portion of the retina called the macula.
- Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in your retina caused by diabetes.
- Retinal detachment happens when the retina separates from the layer underneath.
It’s important to get an early diagnosis and have these conditions treated.
15. Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye)
In this condition, a tissue that lines the back of your eyelids and covers your sclera gets inflamed. It can cause redness, itching, burning, tearing, discharge, or a feeling that something is in your eye.
People of all ages can get it. Causes include infection, exposure to chemicals and irritants, or allergies.
Wash your hands often to lower your chance of getting it.
16. Healthy Eyesight Corneal Diseases
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped “window” at the front of your eye. It helps to focus the light that comes in. Disease, infection, injury, and exposure to toxins can damage it. Signs include:
- Red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Pain
- Reduced vision, or a halo effect
The main treatment methods include:
- A new eyeglasses or contacts prescription
- Medicated eye drops
- Surgery
17. Healthy Eyesight & Eyelid Problems
Your eyelids do a lot for you. They protect your eye, spread tears over its surface, and limit the amount of light that can get in.
Pain, itching, tearing, and sensitivity to light are common symptoms of eyelid problems. You might also have blinking spasms or inflamed outer edges near your eyelashes.
Treatment could include proper cleaning, medication, or surgery.
18. Vision Changes in Healthy Eyesight
As you get older, you may find that you can’t see as well as you once did. That’s normal. You’ll probably need glasses or contacts. You may choose to have surgery (LASIK) to correct your vision. If you already have glasses, you may need a stronger prescription.
Other, more serious conditions also happen as you age. Eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, can cause vision problems. Symptoms vary a lot among these disorders, so keep up with your eye exams.
Some vision changes can be dangerous and need immediate medical care. Anytime you have a sudden loss of vision, or everything looks blurry — even if it’s temporary — see a doctor right away. Go to the emergency room or call 911.
Contact Lens Problems On Healthy Eyesight
They work well for many people, but you need to take care of them. Wash your hands before you touch them. Follow the care guidelines that came with your prescription. And follow these rules:
- Never wet them by putting them in your mouth. That can make an infection more likely.
- Make sure your lenses fit properly, so they don’t scratch your eyes.
- Use eye drops that say they’re safe for contact lenses.
- Never use homemade saline solutions. Even though some lenses are FDA-approved for sleeping in them, doing so raises the risk of a serious infection.
If you do everything right and still have problems with your contacts, see your eye doctor. You might have allergies, dry eyes, or just be better off with glasses. Once you know what the problem is, you can decide what’s best for you.
Effective Healthy Eyesight Nutritional Dietary Tips
Early treatment for eye health problems can prevent them from getting worse. So people who notice changes in their vision should schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
According to the AAO, the following strategies can help to ensure healthy eyes:
- wearing sunglasses outside, since excessive sun exposure can cause cataracts. A range of sunglasses is available for purchase online.
- stopping smoking
- getting regular eye exams, particularly if there is a family history of eye disease
- wearing eye protection when working with possible eye irritants or dangerous chemicals
- washing hands before applying contacts
- wearing contacts only for the period recommended by the doctor or manufacturer
- protecting eyes from computer-related eye strain by looking away every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds
Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness. People with diabetes should carefully monitor blood sugar levels, take medications exactly as prescribed by their doctor, and manage carbohydrate intake while focusing on eating low-moderate glycemic index (GI) foods.
The food we consume can not only be converted into energy for activity but also provides health benefits for the body where one of them is the eye. Nutrients contained in some foods can protect the eyes from several diseases.
Foods for Healthy Eyesight Nutritional Dietary Plan
As an example, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), published in 2001, found that certain nutrients may be resourceful. Suc as, zinc, copper, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene. For your information, reducing the risk of age-related decline in eye health by 25 percent.
Further studies agree that omega-3 fatty acids (including DHA), copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin are vital for eye health. In this revised article, we look at the evidence for 10 nutrient-rich foods to boost healthy eyesight.
Organizations such as the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) continue to recommend nutrients for eye health based on the AREDS reports.
The AREDS reports support the following 10 nutrient-rich foods. Such as;
1. Carrots and Sweet Potatoes
In the first place, Carrots are rich in both Vitamin A and beta carotene. Beta carotene gives carrots their orange color. Vitamin A plays an essential role in vision. It is a component of a protein called rhodopsin, which helps the retina to absorb light.
Research on beta carotene’s role in vision is mixed, though the body needs this nutrient to make vitamin A. Additionally, like carrots, sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene. They are also a good source of the antioxidant vitamin E.
2. Fish and Salmon
In reality, many fish are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Oily fish are fish that have oil in their gut and body tissue, so eating them offers higher levels of omega-3-rich fish oil. The fish that contains the most beneficial levels of omega-3s include:
- tuna
- salmon
- trout
- mackerel
- sardines
- anchovies
- herring
Some studies have found that fish oil can reverse dry eye, including dry eye caused by spending too much time on a computer.
3. Greens and Leafy Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables are rich in both lutein and zeaxanthin and are also a good source of eye-friendly vitamin C.
Well-known leafy greens include:
- spinach
- kale
- collards
4. Legumes and Nuts
By the same fashion, Nuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts also contain a high level of vitamin E, which can protect the eye from age-related damage.
On the contrary, Nuts are available for purchase in most grocery stores and online. For instance, Nuts and legumes that are good for eye health include:
- walnuts
- Brazil nuts
- cashews
- peanuts
- lentils
5. Almond and Nutritious Seeds
Like nuts and legumes, seeds are high in omega-3s and are a rich source of vitamin E.
Seeds are available for purchase in most grocery stores and online. Seeds high in omega-3 include:
- chia seeds
- flax seeds
- hemp seeds
Almonds contain vitamin E. Taking regular amounts of vitamin E can help prevent eye disorders due to age and cataracts.
6. Healthy Eyesight in Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. Just like vitamin E, vitamin C is an antioxidant that is recommended by the AOA to fight age-related eye damage.
Vitamin C-rich citrus fruits include:
- lemons
- oranges
- grapefruits
Equally important, Oranges contain vitamin C which is the key to eye health. We can find Vitamin C in fresh fruits and vegetables.
By all means, Vitamin C plays a role in maintaining the health of blood vessels in the eye so that it can prevent the development of cataracts and eye disorders due to age.
7. Beef and Pork
Beef is rich in zinc, which has been linked to better long-term eye health. Zinc can help delay age-related sight loss and macular degeneration.
The eye itself contains high levels of zinc, particularly in the retina, and the vascular tissue surrounding the retina. Meats such as chicken breast and pork loin also contain zinc, but at lower levels than beef.
8. Eggs and Poultry
In general, Eggs are an excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin. Of course, which can reduce the risk of age-related sight loss. Another important key, Eggs are also good sources of vitamins C and E, and zinc.
Above all, Zinc has the role of carrying vitamin A from the liver to the retina. Foods that have high zinc content are shellfish, beef, pork, and chicken.
9. Smoothies and Water
It may come as no surprise that a fluid essential to life is also vital to eye health. Drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration, which may reduce the symptoms of dry eyes.
Smoothies are a staple among health junkies, and we have to agree: they’re ridiculously easy to make, filled with fruits and veggies, and make you feel like a pro when you whip up a particularly delicious blend.
It’s unsurprising, then, that smoothies have become a regular menu item at fast-food joints across the nation—but not all smoothies are created equal, and you’re better off skipping many of those high-calorie, sugary drinks disguised as a healthy option.
10. Broccoli for Healthy Eyesight
Surprisingly, Broccoli contains vitamin A (lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene), vitamin C and vitamin E which can protect cells in the eyes from free radicals.
Let’s choose foods full of nutrition to maintain the health of your beautiful eyes.
Healthy Eyesight Nutritional Value Addons
Chiefly, having a healthy and balanced diet is the key to maintaining eye health and can reduce the risk of eye disorders. Serious eye disorders can be prevented by consuming food containing vitamins, nutrients, and minerals.
As can be seen, Eyesight disorders that can be prevented by consuming healthy foods such as:
- Cataracts
- Decreased eye function due to age
- Glaucoma
- Dry eyes
- Decreased night vision
Antioxidants are needed to keep the eyes healthy. Here are some types of antioxidants needed to maintain eye health:
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
- Vitamins A, C, E
- Beta carotene
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Zinc
Above all, the current daily recommendations for healthy eye nutrients, as suggested by the AAO to slow the progression of eye disease, are:
- 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C
- 400 international units of vitamin E
- 10 mg lutein
- 2 mg zeaxanthin
- 80 mg of zinc oxide
- 2 mg of copper oxide
Digital & Computer Healthy Eyesight Strain Concerns
Notably, with the rise in the competitive cloud computing edge, computer eye strain can be troublesome. For instance, I spend almost half of my day behind a computer or mobile gadget. Working myself tirelessly and clocking both my scheduled timelines, brain and even eyes capacity.
Of course, with so much to do behind these computerized, and glass light enabled gadgets, computer eye strain comes handy. Even though this topic sounds unfamiliar, to some, it is a risk worth a few minutes of their precious time. Especially, with consideration to our revised scientific proven and holistic practiced methods. That could be a lifesaver to you are even someone close to you.
Important to realize, on our previous exclusive blog, we discussed Asthenopia or Asthenopic (eye strain). Whereby, symptoms in the eye are responsible for much of the severity in CVS (Computer Eye Strain).
For your Takeaway,
Finally, whether it is your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems. Particularly, when viewing digital screens for an extended period of time. As screen time increases at home or in the office, so do symptoms.
Then again, from dry eyes and headaches, to shoulder and neck pain as well as blurred vision. Not forgetting, the extent to which an individual will experience visual symptoms often depends on their level of visual ability and amount of time spent looking at a digital screen.
In fact, uncorrected vision problems like farsightedness, astigmatism, inadequate eye focusing or eye coordination and changes in the eyes due to aging, can all contribute to the development of visual symptoms when using a computer or digital screen.
Therefore, it is my hope that; from the above-revised article, you’ll play safe. Particularly, around your digital and computerized gadgets. Apart from making sure that you stick on the dietary plan as illustrated above.
In general, this article is still open for more contributions and additions. In that case, to make it as useful and as related to me, you or even someone else out there suffering in silence.
Resourceful References;
- The jmexclusives Holistic Coaches: Computer Eye Strain Adaptive Prevention Tips
- Invision Care: Digital Eye Strain
- Compensation Cafe: Female Overcommitment Is Not Rewarded
- Medical News Today: Top 10 foods for healthy eyes
- Indy 100: Surgeon finds 27 contact lenses in woman’s eye
- Prevention: 30 Healthy Smoothie Recipes That Are Delicious and so Simple to Make
- All About Vision: Computer eye strain: 10 steps for relief
