Eye health has special importance for humans. This is because eyes dominate among various senses. It means that most of the information that the human brain gets is via the eyes. Some health experts even say that about 90% of all information that humans receive is visual or via eyes. That is why a significant part of the human brain is dedicated to interpreting visual information.
It also means that any changes in eyesight cause significant disability. Those looking to boost eye health need to understand that the human eye is quite like a digital camera. So, its two most important parts are optics and sensors. In the case of an eye, it means eye-lens and its ability to focus images with the help of supporting structures or muscles. In contrast, the retina acts as an image sensor.
Thus, any eyesight issues may either affect optics or its sensor. Inability to focus causes issues like myopia or nearsightedness, or age-related presbyopia, which is an inability to focus on nearby things (thus requiring reading glasses). In some people, a lens may become less transparent due to cataracts.
The second significant problem is damage to the retina or sensor. This may occur due to metabolic disorders like diabetes. However, many are also affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is about degeneration of part or retina, causing irreversible age-related vision decline or loss.
Protecting Your Vision: Everyday Habits for Eye Health
Fortunately, eyesight issues are highly preventable, or one can delay their onset through lifestyle interventions.
Nourishing Your Eyes: A Healthy Diet for Optimum Vision
There are two ways to prevent eyesight issues. First is avoiding foods that are bad for metabolic health, like fast-absorbing sugars. Metabolic disorders are among the leading causes of vision decline. Additionally, avoid substance abuse, and hence cut down alcohol intake and quit smoking. Taking these dietary measures helps prevent cataracts and maintain lens quality. Most importantly, these measures help prevent glaucoma and thus help maintain intra-ocular pressure.[1]
Eye Exercises: Strengthening Your Vision
Eye exercises are often suggested to enhance vision, although they may not completely reverse vision problems. Simple exercises can help improve focus, strengthen eye muscles, and promote overall eye health.
Rolling your eyes in circular motions, practicing palming to relieve eye strain, and incorporating exercises that involve focusing on near and far objects can contribute to better eye flexibility and focus. Additionally, purposeful blinking helps reduce dryness and refreshes the eyes. While these exercises can be beneficial, it is essential to complement them with regular breaks from screen time, proper lighting, and a nutrient-rich diet.[2,3]
The Role of Supplements: Enhancing Eye Health
In the digital age, one needs to take frequent breaks from screen time. Additionally, it is vital to boost the intake of antioxidants. Generally, increasing the intake of foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and carotenoids like berries, colorful vegetables, and fruits is better. However, one can also consider health supplements.
Some vitamins and nutrients to consider are:
- Vitamin C: Known for its antioxidant properties, it may help protect the eyes from oxidative damage.[4]
- Vitamin A & E: Another antioxidant, vitamin E, may protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin A or carotenoids are also good for eyesight.[4]
- Zinc: Zinc is involved in various processes in the eye. However, excessive zinc intake can have side effects, so it is crucial to follow recommended dosages. Age-related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), one of the most extensive studies of its kind, recommends zinc supplements for optimal eye health.[5]
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These are carotenoids found in high concentrations in the retina. They are believed to help filter harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light and protect against oxidative damage. These are safer than carotenoids like vitamin A and, thus, a better option for prolonged use. Moreover, there are many studies confirming that lutein and zeaxanthin combination helps.[6]
Conclusion
The eye is the most vital among sensory organs, so it is crucial to prevent eyesight decline. Any compromise in vision may cause significant disability. To boost vision, it is vital to prevent eye fatigue. However, to prevent more severe issues, one must consider lifestyle interventions and nutrition therapy. Many nutrients can help prevent eye lens disorders, help keep intra-ocular pressure within normal levels, and are also good for retinal health. Interventions discussed in this article would also help prevent age-related macular degeneration and other eyesight issues related to aging.
References
[1] Mahmoudinezhad G, Nishida T, Weinreb RN, et al. Associations of smoking and alcohol consumption with the development of open angle glaucoma: a retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open. 2023;13:e072163.
[2] Tang J, Pei Y, Wang J, et al. The association between Chinese eye exercises and myopia in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Jan 17];11. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.950700.
[3] Navarro-Lopez S, Moya-Ramón M, Gallar J, et al. Effects of physical activity/exercise on tear film characteristics and dry eye associated symptoms: A literature review. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. 2023;46:101854.
[4] Khoo HE, Ng HS, Yap W-S, et al. Nutrients for Prevention of Macular Degeneration and Eye-Related Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;8:85.
[5] Vishwanathan R, Chung M, Johnson EJ. A Systematic Review on Zinc for the Prevention and Treatment of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2013;54:3985–3998.
[6] Mrowicka M, Mrowicki J, Kucharska E, et al. Lutein and Zeaxanthin and Their Roles in Age-Related Macular Degeneration—Neurodegenerative Disease. Nutrients. 2022;14:827.