Food for sight

Eat good helpings of vegetables, fruits, omega-3 fatty acids, beta carotenes with vitamins A, C and E, enjoy good sleep and avoid direct sunlight. Therefore, good habits and good general healthcare does play a major role in eye care.

It is never too early to begin eye checkups. By the time a child is four, it is imperative to have a check-up every year to look for squint, signs of opacity brought in by cataracts and any minus or plus powers to decide whether or not glasses are needed. Ultraviolet-protective sunglasses from childhood can help protect eyes from the harmful UV rays.

An emerging and alarming trend is the computer eye syndrome, which appears to be catching on in early adult life. Continuous staring at the monitors reduces blinking; causes strain to the eyes and can lead to dry eyes as well.

Glaucoma or raised pressure in eyes and diabetic retinopathy are silent killers of eyesight. Therefore, checking eyes once every six months is essential. If afflicted with diabetes, diet, exercise and drugs are to be remembered in that order to keep the doctor away.

Now you can get rid of the reading glasses as well with lasers called Intracor and Supracor.
Considering how important your eyesight is, caring for your eyes should be one of your main priorities of your daily routine.

• Eat two to three helpings of fruits and vegetables every day.
• Avoid contact lenses for long hours and take them off before going to bed to allow eyes to breathe better.
• Avoid working on the computer for long hours and preferably, take a break of 10 minutes every hour to exercise the eyes looking at distant objects, including the landscape.
• Use ultraviolet protective and safety glares and other eyewear, especially when out under a sharp sun.
• Get your eyes checked at least once a year and if possible, twice a year after 35 years of age.

Also Read:

On lens care and cataract