These days,  the phrase ‘get fit’ is largely misunderstood. Fitness has become synonymous with gyms and is defined by toned bodies, six-packs and muscles. Hitting the gym is important but it alone doesn’t portray a complete picture of fitness. It is only recently that we have started giving importance to mental fitness. It is one area that was largely ignored. Another area that still gets ignored is the fitness of our eyes. Think about it! From smartphones to computer screens to staring at everything around us, your eyes are constantly working. Have you ever tried knowing what is the best food for your eyes? Have you ever tried to know what are the best relaxation exercises for your eyes? Have you ever asked yourself “How can I improve my eyesight naturally?” or “How can I take care of my eyes daily?” 

Eye health is important — because 80% of what we perceive comes through our sense of sight.  Your eyes, like other organs of your body, are subject to stress. But you tend to get so busy in your daily life that you don’t even have the time to visit an eye doctor. So, how can you protect your vision? 

We have made a list of tips that hardly require much time or effort to ensure good eye health and keep your eyesight protected! 

Eat Healthy

What you eat decides the health of your eyes. Make sure the food on your plate is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Lutein and beta carotene as they help to ward off age-related vision problems. Include sweet potatoes, butter, papaya, blueberries, apricot, green leafy vegetables, non-meat protein sources, oranges and fresh fruit juices in your diet. Find out more about which vitamins improve vision.

Quit Smoking

We all know smoking could lead to  cancer. However, we rarely talk about its harmful effect on our eyes. If you are a smoker, now is the time to quit before cataracts, macular degeneration, optical nerve damage come looking for you! If you’ve tried quitting only to start again, consider seeking professional help.

Give Your Eyes a Rest

Spending long hours staring at computer screens strains your eye. The 20-20-20 rule can help you protect your eyes from digital strain. The rule is simple to follow — take a break from your screen every 20 minutes by looking at something else 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. You can also close your eyes every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. It will keep your eyes relaxed. And remember to take regular breaks from the screens.

Use Sunglasses and Protective Eyewear

Exposure of eyes to harmful UV rays emitted out from the sun for a longer duration boosts your chances of Macular Degeneration and Cataract. Save your eyes from the harmful UV rays by wearing the right shades — even on cloudy days! Get sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation.

If you are involved in any activities such as playing sports, construction work, home repairs etc., make sure to protect your glasses by wearing your respective safety glasses. 

Stay Active

Exercise regularly. Being physically active helps you stay healthy and eliminates the risk of health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol that can threaten your eyesight. 

Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly 

We highly recommend getting your eyes tested every six months. This helps in keeping your eye health in check, ensuring early detection and timely treatment in case a disease is detected. 

Don’t take your eyes for granted. Follow these simple steps and stay healthy!

If you are currently experiencing any vision problems, don’t ignore them. Avail a consultation to properly treat the issue — at Prasad Netralaya. It is Mangalore and Udupi’s most trusted Eye Care Hospital with highly skilled and qualified specialists and staff. Call us at +91 9513596565 or book an appointment if you wish to visit in person. You can also book a teleconsultation.