5 Ways to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Eyes deteriorate with age, but poor health and lifestyle choices can also lead to vision loss. Here are five ways to keep your eyes sharp and healthy.

1. Eat foods that contain lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that protects the eyes against cell damage. Foods high in these antioxidants include leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens, and brightly colored foods like carrots and corn.

2. Wear sunglasses. People exposed to significant amounts of bright sunlight over the course of their lifetime are more at risk for cataracts and macular degeneration. For optimum protection, choose sunglasses with polarized lenses and wrap-around frames.

3. Stop smoking. Smokers are significantly more likely to go blind from macular degeneration because smoking damages the blood vessels in the eyes. Smoking also increases the risk for cataracts.

4. Blink! Especially if you're working long hours at the computer. Studies show that when staring at screens, people are less likely to blink as often as they should, which causes eye dryness and strain.

5. Exercise the eyes. Specific exercises can help strengthen the eyes. One such exercise is to focus on something closely for several seconds, then move your eyes to focus on something further away. Repeat 3 times, and do this several times a day.