The eye is a delicate organ with a large and moist area exposed to the environment that makes it more susceptible to air pollution than any other parts of the body.

“The eye is a real window into what’s happening in your body”, says NIH eye health expert Dr. Houmam Araj. It’s a convenient way for your doctor to get a clear view of your blood vessel, nerves, and connecting tissue without surgery.

Healthy brain function needs healthy eye sight. The brain is our most vital organ, allowing us to live complex lives. Considering that your optic nerve connects your eyes and your brain, a healthy co-dependent relationship is necessary. By keeping your eyes healthy, you keep your brain healthy. Hence, improving your overall quality of life.

Here are some of the ways to take care of your eyes, in order to improve your vision:

1.      KEEP SCREENS AT A DISTANCE

Screens and monitors are part of our everyday lives. We encounter them everywhere, from our personal smart phones, desktop computers, tablets and MP3 to movie theatres, sports games, airports and train station.

Throughout the day, we tend to look at screens for long periods of time. Glare from screens can lead to eyestrain and computer vision syndrome.  Its recommended to position your computer screen at least an arm’s length and hold hand held devices, 16 inches away from your eye.

2.      AVOID RUBBING YOUR EYES

The hands are exposed to a lot of dirt, dust and bacteria, and all of these can be easily transferred to your pupils each time you touch or rub them. So avoid putting your hands to your eyes to prevent infection and irritation. If the habit is so ingrained in you, make an effort to get rid of it as soon as possible.

3.      WEAR SUNGLASSES AND PROTECTIVE EYE WEAR

Exposure to ultraviolet rays during any time of the year can lead to cataract or age related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as sunburn on your eyes in extreme cases. Also, wear protective eye wear or safety goggles if your work requires eye protection  especially when dealing with strong cleaning substances such as bleach or oven cleaners.

4.      OBSERVE THE 20³ RULE

If you want to keep your eyes in great shape, you should adhere to the 20³ rule which states that:

Every 20minutes look away from your computer monitor and fix your gaze on an object that is 20 feet away from you.

Blink 20 successive times to prevent eye dryness.

Every 20 minutes, get out of your seat and take 20 steps. This is not just good for your vision, but also promotes proper posture and blood circulation throughout the body.

5.      EAT HEALTHY

Good eye health starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, Lutein, Zinc, Vitamin C and E might help ward-off age related vision problems. To get them, fill your plate with:

·         Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and collards.

·         Salmon, tuna and other oily fish.

·         Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices

·         Eggs, nut, beans and other non-meat protein source.

6.      VISIT YOUR EYE DOCTOR

At least once in a year, pay a visit to your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye examination. Yearly eye exams are not only helpful in detecting early signs of eye diseases. They are also important indicator of your overall health. An eye exam can detect signs of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, brain tumor and multiple sclerosis. Proper attention to vision problems can enhance your safety and quality of life.