Our eyes are overused and underappreciated. Computer screens, televisions, and cell phones can all lead to eye fatigue and age-related problems. Taking care of our eyes isn’t difficult with these three quick and easy tips that can help protect your vision well into old age.
Eat for Your Eyes
The eyes require several important nutrients to function optimally. These include vitamin A, C, E and zinc. Foods that are yellow or orange can provide these nutrients when consumed with some kind of fat. Garlic, onions, blueberries, grapes and goji berries are also superfoods for the eyes. From an herbal perspective, we recommend Bilberry as one of the most important supplements you can take for maintaining optimal eyesight.
Exercise for Your Eyes
Just as your body needs exercise to stay in top shape, so do your eyes. Daily exercises can help prevent those annoying ‘floaters’ and eye fatigue.
- Once your eyes are warm and awake, start by rolling your eyes in a clockwise direction 10 times and then repeat in a counterclockwise direction.
- Focus on a pen or pencil that is held at an arms-length away from your eyes. Slowly bring it toward your nose until it’s about 6” away. Then move it slowly back, never taking your focus off the object. Repeat 10 times.
- Massage your temples in small circles, 20 times in one direction followed by 20 times in the other direction. You can also do a short massage in the center of the head, between the eyebrows and underneath each eye on either side of the bridge of your nose.
- And it goes without saying that if your eyes are tired, give them a quick nap. Sometimes just closing your eyes for 3 minutes can help them feel refreshed and ready to go.
Relaxation for Your Eyes
Give your eyes a break during the day. For every hour on the computer, take a short 5-minute break, allowing them time to refocus and rest. If they feel overly tired, placing cool cucumber slices over your eyelids can feel like a breath of fresh air!
