Maintaining clear, sharp vision is crucial to fully experiencing life. Unfortunately, many people don’t think much about their eyes until their vision starts to blur.
While some vision problems become more common as you get older, they can affect anyone at any age, some of which can have a profound impact on your independence and quality of life. Visual impairment can make daily tasks difficult and limit your ability to move about without assistance.
Take care of your eyes
Taking care of your eyes is essential for preserving your eyesight and preventing vision problems as you age. Good eye health starts with the food you eat. Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Additionally, quitting smoking or never starting is vital, as smoking can damage the optic nerve and negatively impact your eye health.
When spending time outdoors, protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block UV rays, which can increase the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It’s also important to give your eyes regular breaks after extended periods of computer use or focusing on any one task. Lastly, make sure to have your eyes checked regularly to catch potential eye diseases early, when they are easier to treat.
Herbs for natural eye care
The following herbal extracts work synergistically to maintain healthy vision and protect against certain sight-threatening diseases. Bog bilberries are rich in anthocyanins, making them one of the best dietary sources of anthocyanidins. These polyphenolic compounds offer powerful antioxidant benefits, safeguarding the eye’s capillaries from free-radical damage. They also promote microcirculation, ensuring efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the eyes. Additionally, anthocyanidins help boost rhodopsin production, a pigment in the eye that aids in improving night vision.
Marigold is an excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin. Along with their antioxidant properties, lutein and zeaxanthin are essential for replenishing the macular pigment layer, which helps filter blue light from sources such as the sun, digital devices, and LED lighting. This is particularly beneficial in protecting the eyes from the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Widely used by herbalists, eyebright is touted as a natural remedy for various eye conditions, including eye infections (particularly conjunctivitis or pink eye) and other forms of eye-related irritations. Additionally, eyebright is known for its soothing effects on discomfort caused by eyestrain.
Chinese wolfberries, also known as goji berry, have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. These mighty fruits are power-packed with highly advantageous antioxidant and nutritive properties. The polysaccharides found in wolfberries can potentially protect the eyes from diabetic retinopathy. Wolfberries are also beneficial for relieving dry eyes.
Lycopene, an important carotenoid found in tomatoes, plays a key role in maintaining good vision. It has been shown to protect the eyes from light-induced damage and may help reduce the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
