How to Improve the Health of the Retina

The retina is one of the most vital parts of your vision system. It is a layer of tissue located at the rear of your eye that senses light and relays those images to your brain. Damage or deterioration of your retina can result in many different eye conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and nearsightedness. Luckily, there are many things you can do to take care of your retina health.

Taking care of your retinas is one of the most important things you can do for your vision. There are steps everyone can take to help ensure the health of their retinas since most of the risks are environmental. For instance, nearsightedness, which is a condition related to your retina,  can be caused by environmental situations such as sitting in front of a computer screen for long periods of time. In this case, simply take frequent breaks from doing work on the computer. Our 10-10-10 rule is a great tool to keep in mind to help keep all areas of your vision healthy, including your retina.

There are many things you can do in your everyday life to help keep your eyes healthy and your vision strong. Keep reading to learn how you can improve the health of your retinas.

Quit Smoking for Retina Health

We all know by now how damaging smoking is for your health. It’s bad for your lungs, your heart, your skin, and yes, even your eyes. Smoking can cause damage to your eyes in several different ways.  It can contribute to the development of macular degeneration because it slows the circulation of blood to the eye and retina, which damages the blood vessels of your eye.

Studies have shown that smoking can cause a person to develop AMD 10 years earlier than they normally would have if they had never smoked.  Smoking also decreases the level of antioxidants in the blood which helps maintain healthy eyesight. Antioxidants are vital to your retina health.

Your cigarette smoke also affects the retinas of those around you. Children’s eyes are especially vulnerable to retinal damage when exposed to a parent’s secondhand smoke.

On a positive note, the best thing about smoking is that you can stop! Smoking is a choice, as is exposing yourself to second-hand smoke. Most people know that smoking can be a very difficult habit to break, but it is a habit worth breaking!

Protect Your Eyes

Sometimes, we unintentionally expose our eyes to dangers without even realizing it. Too often, people work in jobs that are hazardous to their eyes without even knowing it. Did you know that if you work in retail and use a barcode scanner you could damage your eyes? Unfortunately, even this seemingly mundane task can damage your retinas because it involves a laser. Make sure you never look directly at the laser to avoid damaging your retinas.

But how do you avoid accidentally looking at the laser? If you work with one of these tools 40 hours a week, it can be difficult. Sometimes cashiers at grocery stores and department stores are standing directly above the barcode reader at the cash register. Stand a little off to one side a bit so that your eyes are shielded.

Another hazard to your eyes is debris or particles. If you work in an environment with objects in the air, such as a construction site, wear safety glasses. This is especially important for handymen and construction workers who are on sites with sawdust and other material particles in the air.

Also, if you sit in front of a computer screen for long periods of time, make sure there is as little glare as possible. Blue light can also damage your eyes, so it’s important to consider how to protect your eyes from this danger as well. A pair of blue light-blocking glasses could also be quite helpful. And, take frequent breaks to rest your eyes and relieve strain.

Change Your Diet

Did you know that a poor diet can lead to poor eyesight? It is vital for good eyesight that you have a diet that contains adequate amounts of vitamins A, C, E, antioxidants, minerals, and herbal supplements. These are especially important when it comes to keeping your retinas healthy and strong.

There are many good foods that can help you fix your diet. Check out this list of the 17 vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements you should be consuming. Some foods you might want to try are citrus fruits, fish, leafy green vegetables, spinach, broccoli, and nuts; these are great additions to any diet. They all contain antioxidants and other important nutrients that help improve your eye cell health, which will in turn improve the health of your retinas.

While it can be difficult to get every nutrient you need every day, supplements created especially for eye health can be a great alternative. Our Rebuild Your Vision Ocu-Plus Formula is a great option if you’re looking for a regimen to start.

Relax Your Body and Eyes

In today’s society, we all seem to be moving at 100 mph. Being on the move constantly is not relaxing for your mind, body or eyes. One simple thing you can incorporate into your everyday life is a little relaxation. Take 10 minutes to yourself: sit quietly, close your eyes, and clear your mind.

Another way to rest your eyes, body, and mind is to get a good night’s sleep. Most people are more fully rested after eight hours of sleep. And a great night’s sleep can really make a difference in keeping your eyes happy and healthy! Sleep is vital to retina health!

To avoid developing eye diseases and conditions, it’s imperative that we take care of our retinas. The retina is a crucial part of the eye that plays a huge role in vision. By quitting smoking, improving your diet, and protecting your eyes you can ensure your retinas stay healthy. Getting enough sleep each night and rest during the day is also important. The stronger and healthier your retinas are, the better your vision will be.