As we marveled at the beauty of Monday’s solar eclipse, we diligently protected our eyes. The care we took during this celestial event served as a good reminder that year-round vigilance is needed to maintain healthy vision.
The glasses we wore during the solar eclipse protected our eyes from the intense light and radiation emitted by the sun. Similarly, protecting our eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays year-round is crucial for preventing conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems. It’s important to wear sunglasses while outdoors, even on cloudy days. Some experts believe UV protection may fade over time, so sunglasses worn at least two hours a day should be replaced after two years. Alternatively, you can take your sunglasses to an optical shop with a UV light meter to check the level of protection.
In addition to UV protection, incorporating specific nutrients into your diet can help support eye health. Supplements such as zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids are known for their beneficial effects on the eyes. These nutrients can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and other vision problems.
Zinc is a key component of the retina where it is involved in metabolizing visual pigments. Adequate zinc intake has been linked to a reduced risk of macular degeneration and may help maintain overall eye health and vision. The richest sources of zinc include meat, fish, and seafood while moderate amounts are in legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains, vegetables, and dark chocolate.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that seem to filter out damaging radiation from sunlight, helping protect and maintain healthy cells in the eyes. These nutrients are found in dark leafy vegetables and herbs, but supplements can also be beneficial, especially for those who may not get enough greens through their diet alone.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for eye health and are concentrated in a healthy retina. Studies show that a diet high in fish and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration. These healthy fats are found in fish like salmon, tuna, halibut, and herring, and in supplements with fish, krill, or flaxseed oil.
Giving attention to protecting our eyes during the solar eclipse is a timely reminder of the need to protect our eyes year-round. By wearing UV-protective eyewear and incorporating eye-healthy nutrients into our diet, we can take proactive steps to maintain optimal eye health. Remember to speak with your healthcare provider before adding supplements to your regimen.
Check out our eye health formulations. They are a convenient way of taking the minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids that support eye health.