Caring For Your Eyes
Our eyes are used constantly - every moment we are
awake - and even remain active when we are asleep.
It's no wonder then that our eyes get tired, dry, irritated
and scratchy at times.
So here are a few tips to keep your eyes in good shape:
- Keep your eyes hydrated - drink
at least eight 200ml glasses of water a day and make
your world more humid. Don't overdo the portable dehumidifier
in your home. Try wearing a wet gauze eye mask while
sleeping on aeroplances. This keeps eyes moist and
prevents tear evaporation.
- Watch for side effects from medication
- certain prescription and over-the-counter medications,
such as antihistamines, diuretics, sleeping pills,
beta-blockers, and pain relievers, can reduce your
body's ability to create lubricating tears. Either
ask for alternative medications or use lubricating
eye drops.
- Wear sunglasses - protecting your
eyes from harsh UV light and also helps keep eyes
moist by preventing tear evaporation. Wrap-around
sunglasses are best for minimizing the wind's drying
effect.
- Rest your eyes regularly - especially
if you are using a computer all day. Simply looking
away from the screen and looking at something in the
distance helps the muscles of the eyes to stay toned
and eyes lubricated. Take at least one 10-minute break
every 2 hours. Blinking frequently can help distribute
lubricating tears evenly throughout your eyes.
- Get a good nights sleep - when
you are sleeping your retinal membranes recharge.
- Eat Eye Nourishing Food or Take a Supplement
- you eyes need:
- Vitamin C - fruit and vegetables
contain vitamin C and other bioflavonoids helping
to prevent eye conditions.
- Glutathione - A daily 500-milligram
supplement may help you avoid cataracts. Glutathione
can be found in eggs, garlic, avocados, asparagus,
and onions.
- Lutein - found in corn and green
leafy vegetables or take it in supplement form at
6 to 30 milligrams daily.
- Zeaxanthin
Dry eyes can on occassions be caused by a lack of vitamin
A. Vitamin A-rich foods include carrots, sweet potatoes,
cantaloupe, pumpkin, and mango.
If you already have age-related macular degeneration,
try:
- 500 milligrams of vitamin C,
- 400 international units of vitamin E,
- 15 milligrams of beta carotene,
- 30 milligrams of zinc, and
- 2 milligrams of copper
Take every day, in divided doses.
|
