Since the time we are toddlers most of us are used to hearing that we only have two eyes. That’s true and that’s the main reason why it’s so important to take care of your eyes. One of the biggest complaints as we age is weaker vision. Many believe that a good diet and nutrition, exercise and natural herbal remedies will improve your vision and slow down the effect that aging has on your eyes.
The food we eat and how we treat our bodies has a definite effect on how we feel and it also can influence our eyesight. The old adage that carrots help improve eyesight naturally is actually quite true. In addition to carrots there are a number of other foods that when consumed on a regular basis can actually do wonders for your vision.
Vitamins are also a necessity when it comes to good optical health. Eating a balanced diet always helps with this as does taking supplements.
There is also widespread belief that you can improve eyesight naturally by taking many different herbal remedies. It’s true that herbs can have powerful effects on the eyes and many people swear by the fact that their eyesight improved dramatically after they began adopting a routine of taking certain herbs. Some of the herbs that can have apositive effect on your vision include:
- Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) was used by British air force pilots in World War II who ate jam made from the bluish-black berries of this plant. According to the pilots, the jam improved night vision and gave them a tactical advantage during evening sorties.
- Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a well-researched herb that may improve retinal deterioration and a host of other ailments such as memory loss, tinnitus and poor circulation, according to research reports. Ginko works by increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to the retina.
- Passionflower is an herb that helps with eyestrain. This herb, which is used to treat insomnia and nervousness, also helps relax the small blood vessels in the eyes.
- Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) or Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) have been reported to help with sties and conjunctivitis.
Just as we exercise our bodies by running and walking, and our minds by reading, we can also exercise our optical muscles. This is a very effective way to improve eyesight naturally. For example, if you spend long hours reading, squeeze your eyes shut for a few seconds to increase blood flow to the area. Bathing your eyes in ice water also stimulates blood circulation.
If you look at a computer screen or other close objects for a long time, look away at distant objects every so often. To reduce eyestrain, position your computer away from bright light sources such as windows and artificial lights.
It goes without saying that you also must take care of your eyes by being proactive about their health. If you get an eye infection it’s important to have a doctor take a look at it as soon as possible. Leaving an eye problem like this untreated can lead to permanent vision problems.