Nutrients for trouble-free vision
Question : I often have difficulty seeing objects far away. I
was told that my favourite caffeinated drinks are bad for the
eyes. Is it true?
Answer : Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a vision problem
experienced by about one-third of the population. Nearsighted
people have difficulty reading highway signs and seeing other
objects at a distance, but can see for up-close tasks such as
reading or sewing.
Nearsightedness may be corrected with glasses, contact lenses,
laser or refractive surgery. Depending on your vision problem,
you may need to wear your glasses or contact lenses all the
time, or only when you need distance vision.
Caffeinated drinks may interfere with the normal blood
circulation to the eyes and upset the hormonal stability in the
system. Caffeine and alcohol are often regarded as toxins in our
bodies.
However, the lens, retina, macula, and other parts of the eye
involved in eyesight can be protected with the proper intake of
antioxidants. Almost all the antioxidants have a positive
influence on eye health. Of particular importance are vitamins
C, E, selenium, and beta-carotene.
Two particular carotenoids, called lutein and zeaxanthin, play
an important role in protecting eye tissue in the macula from
damage by free radicals. Corn, eggs, green leafy vegetables,
peppers, red grapes and pumpkin are some of the foods rich in
lutein and zeaxanthin. You can also find carotenoids and
flavonoids in many herbs, including bilberry, eyebright, lycium
and spinach.
Always exercise your eyes. Move your eyes in circular motion
without moving your head.