New Year New Habits

For many the new year is seen as a fresh start, setting new routines, eating a more balanced diet, and moving more. These new healthy habits are not only beneficial to your overall health but can also boost your eye health.

Eating a Balanced Diet

It is encouraged that we eat a balanced diet daily to ensure our bodies get the vitamins and nutrients we need, and our eyes are no different. Many different types of fruit and vegetables contain minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial to our eyes, and may help prevent eye conditions developing later in life such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and more.

Leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach are some of the best foods for your eye health, they contain antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are known as macular pigments as they are concentrated in the retina, acting as a natural sunblock. Other foods such as citrus fruits contain vitamin C, which contribute to healthy blood vessels, and oily fish such as salmon contain Omega-3 fatty acids which help to regulate your heart rate and blood pressure.

Exercise is Key

Exercise is encouraged as part of your daily routine, whether this is short walk, a dance class, or a session at the gym. Alongside helping your body mentally and physically, it also has a positive impact on your eye health. Aerobic exercise increases your oxygen supply to the optic nerve, lowering any pressure that can build up in your eyes. It also increases the blood flow to the optic nerve and retina.

Incorporating these new habits into your daily routines will help maintain your eye health at home, however it is important to ensure you attend regular eye examinations to assess the health of the eyes as well as update your prescription. If your last eye exam was over 2 years ago, we advise booking an appointment with one of our Optometrists.