Eye health and lifestyle

Human body is made in a way that its different systems depend largely on one another and when one system suffers, it will reflect on other functions too. A healthy lifestyle is the key for good overall health and also for proper functioning of all individual organs and systems. Eyes and vision are no exception. Focusing on certain healthy habits and avoiding dangerous ones is one of the most effective ways to keep the eyes in good shape for as long as possible.

Some healthy lifestyle choices

Proper nutrition is one of the crucial aspects in healthy lifestyle. Eating a vast variety of foods, focusing on fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, whole grains, lean meats and plenty of fluids is a sure way to stay healthy and fit.

Not only that, good nutrition means stronger immune system too. The immune system needs to stay strong so it can ward off infections. Many eye conditions and problems can be avoided by staying generally healthy and taking care of the immunity.

It may sound strange, but exercise is also very important for healthy eyes. It does not have to involve super-intense workout and strenuous weight-lifting. Simple aerobic activities, such as walking, jogging, swimming and cycling, can do the trick. regular aerobic workout improves cardiovascular performance and thus increases the blood flow to all the organs in the body, including the eyes. It also reduces diseases that affect blood vessels of the eyes, like retinal vein occlusions.

What to avoid

Stress is one of the major contributors to various diseases, and when it comes to eyes, it is associated with uveitis and central serous chorioretinopathy. In order to reduce the risk of these eye problems it is necessary not only to avoid stressful situations and stress triggers but also to learn various relaxation techniques, such as breathing, yoga, meditation and others.

Unhealthy habits that should be avoided in order to keep the good eyesight and healthy eyes are alcoholism, drug abuse and cigarette smoking.

Cigarettes contain chemicals that are toxic for each and every organ and system in the human body. Chemicals such as benzene, pesticides, TSNA, arsenic, cadmium and cyanide are either directly toxic or cause oxidative damage to the lens and other parts of the eye. Smoking also worsens eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Alcohol is also very harmful for the general health and most of its negative effects reflect on the eyes as well.