Healthy Habit: The Importance of Healthy Vision

When I was in sixth grade, I was told I needed glasses.  Obviously, this news wasn’t welcomed to an insecure adolescent girl, but the thought of clear vision was something I was excited for.

My glasses lasted for about a year until I convinced my mom that I needed contact lenses.  Getting contacts was one of the best and worst decisions for me.  While I loved the aspect of not having an object planted on my face, over the years, I suffered quite a bit of eye problems, mostly due to overuse of my contact lenses.

Eye infection after infection occurred, and most recently, I discovered that my corneas were in the worst shape they have ever been.  My eye doctor has worked with me closely over the years, and she has discovered that most of my vision trauma can be blamed on the fact that I carry an autoimmune disease (Crohn’s). In fact, she has seen this before, where the suppressing of the immune system causes chronic dry eyes, which can result in a series of infections and more serious problems if not treated.

I’ve learned the hard way when it comes to the health of my eyes, and while I do have to be extremely careful with my brand and contact use, I also take notice into natural forms of eye health in order to keep them in as good shape as I can.

It always amazes me that so many body issues can be prevented with nutrition.  Truly, the food we eat is the source of so many of our natural functions.  When I researched foods that attribute to good eye health, I was pleased to discover that I currently consume most of them daily.

• Kale -> Antioxidants
• Oranges -> Vitamin C
• Peanuts -> Vitamin E
• Kidney Beans -> Zinc
• Salmon -> Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• Whole Grains
• Apricots -> Beta Carotene

While all of these foods contribute to key nutrients needed for vision health, it’s also important to include a combination of them all.

“Emerging research suggests that getting eye-supporting nutrients in combination — in the context of a low-glycemic-index diet — may have the most profound effect on slowing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). So do your eyes an even bigger favor: Don’t focus on a single nutrient. Instead, eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, choose healthy fats and high-fiber carbs, and reduce your intake of red meat, sugars, and refined flours.” – source

Some other things you can do for the benefit of your vision:

• Regular eye exams
• Prevent sun exposure (wearing polarized sunglasses)
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Don’t Smoke
• Take care of your contact lenses
• Take vitamins – Vitamin E, DHA
• Rest
• Be mindful of exposure to computers/electronics
• Don’t ignore signs and symptoms

While I do make sure I maintain regular eye exams, I currently use 1-800 Contacts when it comes to ordering my lenses.  I’ve always been impressed with them, price and service are top notch!  Every time I’ve ordered, they are quick to arrive and if there are any issues, the representatives are extremely quick and efficient to resolve them.

Your eyes are the gateway to your soul and it is truly imperative that you take care of them.   Your eyes should be examined once every 2 years, or every 12 months if you wear contact lenses.  Trust me, having one of the most vital senses compromised is a terrible feeling.  I am (especially now) a big advocate for eye health and will continue to promote its importance.

Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post on behalf of 1-800 Contacts.  While I was provided compensation, all opinions and reviews expressed are that of my own. 

Tagged as: contacts, healthy habit, vision health