While we stay busy carrying out our daily routines, and spend hours in front of the computer screen or glued to a good book, we rarely take time out to visit the eye doctor. However, there are a few simple exercises that you can carry out that hardly require much time or effort. Ophthalmologist Arun Sethi advises, "When you're at work, exercise your neck by nodding your head up and down, thereby increasing blood circulation to your neck and eyes. Also, don't stare at the sun as it can be detrimental to your vision. Too much UV exposure makes you more prone to cataract and macular degeneration. Also, you should choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays."
Lucky for you, we've listed tips and tricks that are designed to strengthen your natural eyesight, and help take care of your eyes in a matter of minutes.
Feed Your Eyes
DO: eat foods rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, lutein and beta carotene as they help repair the eyes, such as cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, butter, papaya, blueberries, apricot and grapes.
DON'T: say no to greens, kids! Snack on kale, spinach, collard greens, zucchini and Brussels sprouts.Get Some Rest
DO: get enough rest, since sleep allows overworked eye muscles to relax completely.
DON'T: stay engaged in one activity for long. Take regular breaks just for 5-10 minutes to rest your eyes.
Stay Hydrated
DO: up your water intake, if your eyes are often dry, blurry or tired.
DON'T: just wash your face. Whenever you have a few extra minutes, fill your mouth with water and then splash water with eyes wide open. This will leave you feeling refreshed, too.
Exercise Your Eyes
DO: relaxation exercises. Place your hands together palm to palm and rub them together briskly creating heat. Place them over your eyes and imagine a relaxing place.
DON'T: let light in whenever you're exercising your eyes. And perform these exercises especially when you've been sitting in front of the computer for hours.
Orange You Glad?
DO: eat carrots and other foods rich in beta-carotene which provides food with their orange hue, promotes eye health and corrects vision.
DON'T: forget Omega 3 found in nuts and cold-fish. These fatty acids help keep your retinas healthy and stop age-related eyesight deterioration.
Say No
DO: avoid sugary foods as they are bad news for your eyes. The more sugar you eat, the worse your eyesight will become.
DON'T: smoke. It has been linked to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage.
Trick Your Eyes
DON'T: just wash your face. Whenever you have a few extra minutes, fill your mouth with water and then splash water with eyes wide open. This will leave you feeling refreshed, too.
Exercise Your Eyes
DO: relaxation exercises. Place your hands together palm to palm and rub them together briskly creating heat. Place them over your eyes and imagine a relaxing place.
DON'T: let light in whenever you're exercising your eyes. And perform these exercises especially when you've been sitting in front of the computer for hours.
Orange You Glad?
DO: eat carrots and other foods rich in beta-carotene which provides food with their orange hue, promotes eye health and corrects vision.
DON'T: forget Omega 3 found in nuts and cold-fish. These fatty acids help keep your retinas healthy and stop age-related eyesight deterioration.
Say No
DO: avoid sugary foods as they are bad news for your eyes. The more sugar you eat, the worse your eyesight will become.
DON'T: smoke. It has been linked to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage.
Trick Your Eyes
DO: focus on an object that's at least 20 feet away, for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes. You'll be surprised at how better your eyes feel.
DON'T: stare at gadgets for too long. Lower the brightness level of your computer screen and phone as it reduces strain.
Berry-Special Tip
DO: eat bilberry fruit as it is full of antioxidants and will aid in protecting and increasing blood circulation in your eyes.
DON'T: depend on your glasses. Take them off as often as possible, to promote natural unassisted vision.
DON'T: stare at gadgets for too long. Lower the brightness level of your computer screen and phone as it reduces strain.
Berry-Special Tip
DO: eat bilberry fruit as it is full of antioxidants and will aid in protecting and increasing blood circulation in your eyes.
DON'T: depend on your glasses. Take them off as often as possible, to promote natural unassisted vision.
Dr. Reena Sethi (Sethi's Eye Care Centre, New Delhi) says, "Roll your eyes. Start by looking up and then slowly circle 10 times clockwise and 10 times counter-clockwise. Also, after a long day, place cooling cucumber slices on your eyelids as it helps reduce pressure on the eyes."
She adds, "Eating healthy is good for your whole body - especially your eyes! Eat eggs and citrus fruits, but avoid junk food. And know that there's more to eye nutrition than just carrots!"
She adds, "Eating healthy is good for your whole body - especially your eyes! Eat eggs and citrus fruits, but avoid junk food. And know that there's more to eye nutrition than just carrots!"
