Your eyes are extremely important. So, protecting them should be very important to you. There are a few key items you should consider to utilize to help protect your eyesight. The following include: proper diet and vitamins, protective eye wear for hazardous jobs, vision tests yearly (making sure you have the correct prescription eye glasses or contacts, if needed).

1) Your intake of food affects every part of your body, including your eyes. There are certain foods that are great for your eye health including: avocados, carrots, broccoli, eggs, spinach, kale, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, garlic, and salmon are foods that are nutrient and vitamin rich that help not only your eyes, they keep your hair, skin, nails strong, and your internal body by maintaining healthy digestion. Can Good Nutrition Prevent Cataracts? New research suggests antioxidants and good nutrition may help prevent cataracts. Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil are good for people who have dry eyes, so don’t go running to your doctor for a prescription of Restasis (you might have more problems by using a prescription to help a minor problem of what you think is dry eye). Also, carrots contain carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin are antioxidants that are found in many vegetables, which are also beneficial. Omega-3 fish oils (found in Salmon as I mentioned above as a good food for eye health) are important for keeping your eyes and your heart healthy. Vitamin A and Beta Carotene also have eye benefits. Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids: Powerful Eye Antioxidants. Vitamins A and C, Vitamin E may reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Zinc also helps your body absorb antioxidant vitamins and may have its own protective effects.

2) We have established your eyes are very important so protecting them from dangerous jobs such as your everyday job, maybe at a construction site or chemical plant, or even doing your yard work is essential. Wearing goggles or some type of head gear and eye gear attached is something you should own. On a job site, depending on what kind of job, your protective gear should be commercial high quality grade goggles; nothing from the dollar store is acceptable. In fact, your company probably has these items on hand because they don’t want you out on workman’s compensation. If you need protective gear cutting the grass or tree branch trimming, or cutting the bushes, then your standard protective glasses from Lowe’s or Home Depot will do just fine!

3) Last but not least, you want to get your eye exam yearly! This is to make sure your eyes are looking healthy and you have the appropriate prescription so you aren’t wearing your eyes out too soon, squinting at everything you look at! If you are lucky enough, you won’t ever need glasses, but sadly, most of us do! Take care, and remember you should never lose “sight” of what’s important, regarding your health!

Sources:

1. Guardian Express:
   Steps to Protect Eyesight.