Focus on Eye Health
Often, what is good for your eyes is also beneficial for other body systems. Likewise, bad habits can put your eyes at risk. Being overweight, having diabetes or high blood pressure, long periods of "screen time" on the computer, TV, or phone are all detrimental to eye health. Keep your peepers in prime shape with a few tips for maintaining good eye health.
Food choices: Include lots of fish (Omega-3's), leafy greens (antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin), orange vegetables (beta carotene), citrus fruits and berries (vitamin C), and almonds (vitamin E) in your diet
Early detection and timely treatment is key to protect and prevent vision loss from diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, etc.
Know your family history – glaucoma is 5x more common in African Americans. Diabetic eye conditions are more common in Hispanics, Latinos and Native American. Older adults are at a higher risk for age related conditions.
Wear protective eye gear when operating hazardous equipment, certain sports or hobbies. Wear sunglasses to protective against UV rays when outside.
OTHER EYE OPTIONS:
Pinhole Glasses
How do they work? Your pupil narrows down into a tight “pinhole” restricting the amount of light, but directing the beam into the eye and retina. The resulting image is more focused. The manufacturers suggest that the pinholes encourage the ciliary muscles of the eye to become stronger, toning the eye into a more correct shape. Improvements are said to only take a few weeks when worn daily for 15 minutes or more. 2 styles are available for $24.49!
Ginkgo biloba - One of the oldest living tree species, dating back over 200 million years, Ginkgo improves blood flow which helps the entire body, including the eyes and specifically the retina. Ginkgo has been used historically for glaucoma, diabetic eye conditions and age related macular degeneration (AMD). Additionally, it is used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-depressant, and a vasodilator, (helps open blood vessels, assists in lowering blood pressure). As always, be sure to consult your healthcare provider to check for interactions with other medications before beginning a new health regime.
Bilberry - As the story goes, British WW2 fighter pilots were fed bilberry jam and reported improved night vision. While the evidence for improving normal night vision is limited, Bilberries do contain anthocyanins, antioxidant which has been shown to improve vascular health, and strengthen blood vessels in the eye. It has also exhibited protective effects against glaucoma, dry eyes, and screen fatigue.
Skullcap - This herb has varieties native to North America and Asia. One active component, baicalin, a flavonoid antioxidant in both American and Chinese skullcap, may help combat glaucoma among other things. One personal anecdote with Skullcap comes from HH founder Pam. When her optometrist found she was at risk for glaucoma, having eye pressure readings at about 25-26 mm Hg, she began to take skullcap. Six months later, her pressure readings were down to 18, well within normal range!
Lutein and Zeaxanthin - These compounds are in the caretenoid family of antioxidants. Yellowish in color, these nutrients increase the density of macular pigment, which increases the macula's ability to resist damaging sunlight rays. These compounds are found in several of our supplements for eye health as well as in goji berries.