Our eyes are in a war with our television screens, cellphones, the sun and our computer screens, causing a massive amount of digital eye strain. Lasik eye surgery is an expensive fix to a problem that many of us have to deal with. Insurance is only going to pay for so much, if any at all, and we’re left with a set of perfect eyes...and a hefty bill to take care of. I don’t know about you, but I’m not balling. Here are a few ways to improve your vision naturally.
RELATED: 5 Ways To Ease Digital Eye Strain
1. Eye Exercises
Roll Your Eyes
This is a perfect activity for those who throw those shady pupils in the direction of disdain. But seriously, this activity will refresh your eyes and keep them sharp and less fatigued.
Look up to the ceiling and slowly circle your eyes in a clockwise direction 10 times and repeat this 10 times in a counterclockwise direction.
Warm Your Eyes
Alright for this one you’re going to do the Birdman hand rub by rubbing your hands together vigorously until there is some sort of heat created. Next, you're going to place your heated hands over your eyes for five seconds. Repeat this three times.
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Focus
Grab a pen and extend your arm straight out. Keep your eyes focused on the pen, and slowly inch the pen closer and closer to your face until it’s 5-6 inches from your nose. Repeat this movement in the opposite direction, extending your arm back to the original extended position. Repeat this process 10 times.
Massage
This can also work for headaches as well. Using the thumb knuckles massage your temple 20 times in small clockwise circles, and repeat this motion going counterclockwise 20 times. Next, you’re going to repeat this same motion above the midpoint of your eyebrows and forehead, then on both sides of the bridge of your nose.
Rest
Our eyes need rest. Closing your eyes for three minutes can go a long way in resetting and refreshing your eyes to their optimal level. Be careful not to fall asleep in the process of doing this. We don’t want any emails about how BlackDoctor.org got you fired.
2. Feed Your Eyes
Vitamin A
Eating food rich in vitamin A will improve your eyesight greatly. Vitamin A deficiency decreases the supply of rhodopsin, a pigment found in our eyes that helps us see in low light and at night. Increase your intake of dark leafy greens, tropical fruits, carrots, lettuce, winter squashes, dried apricots, bell peppers, cantaloupe, fish and liver.
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Lutein
Lutein is a pigment found in our retina that helps block out unnecessary light. Studies have shown that food high in lutein decreases one’s risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is responsible for the decrease in capabilities in your vision and at its worst, blindness. Consume broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, orange peppers, kiwi fruit, grapes, orange juice, zucchini, and squash to get your daily fix of lutein.
Zinc
Did you know that your melanin protects your eyes? Zinc makes this happen. Zinc enables vitamin A to produce the pigment we know as melanin. Foods rich in zinc are oysters, crabs, lean beef, poultry, dairy products, chickpeas, cashews and almonds.
Vitamin C
This vitamin does wonders for the body. Vitamin C supports healthy blood vessels in the eye. The tissues of the eye depend on vitamin C to absorb the iron it needs to function properly. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes and kiwis are packed with vitamin C. Vitamin C has also been linked to a decrease in cataracts. Vegetables such as potatoes, green peppers and broccoli will also get you right.
3. Limit Your Screentime
Nowadays we are surrounded by screens: screens on our computers, screens on our phones, screens on televisions. Screens are everywhere and could be causing some digital eye strain. So instead of always checking out what's latest on your phone or squinting to see what's next on Netflix, take a little time away from those screens and enjoy life outside. Your eyes will thank you for it.
