One of the most encouraging changes in Americans’ perceptions of health is a recent shift towards holistic health, or an understanding that wellness in the human body is interconnected. In essence, it means that it’s impossible to have a healthy body if one part is being treated poorly and not receiving the attention it needs.

Eyes are no different. In fact, as one of the most sensitive organs in the body, eyes respond well to overall lifestyle changes that you might have chosen for other health benefits. Here’s 5 simple additions to your daily routines that can have dramatically positive effects on your vision.

Eat Well, Eat Deliciously

Few things have greater impacts on your overall health than a diet routine, but eyes are especially attuned to any nutritional imbalances in your body. You’ll want to eat plenty of leafy greens which provide invaluable antioxidants as well as Vitamins C and E1 – a one-two-three triple punch of much-needed nutrients for your eyes. Supplement with eggs, fish, and unsalted nuts to provide healthy fats that your body needs for repairs and maintenance, too. Did someone say cobb salad?

Additionally, eye health is boosted tremendously by avoiding processed sugars and other excesses of processed foods that can contribute to diabetes. That’s because diabetes is the number one cause of blindness in adults, which means a diet change can nip the disease in the bud.

Exercise Just a Half-Hour a Day

No need to go on a four-mile run. Even a brisk walk that gets your blood pumping can help reduce the risk of glaucoma. That’s because healthy exercise can help lower intraocular pressure, a major contributor to the strain on your optic blood vessels.

Take a Break From Screens

Most of us work jobs where we spend a little too much quality time around screens. Since that’s unlikely to change, we tell our patients to reduce eye strain with the simple 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s a great habit to pair with getting up often from your chair and moving around, which can improve circulation (which is also good for eyes) and posture!

Avoid Smoke

If you’re currently a smoker, even a “light” one, we urge you to consider quitting. Few lifestyle changes provide more health benefits than snuffing out cigarettes, cigars, or pipes for good. Eyes, whose health is drastically affected by your overall circulatory system’s health, respond quite positively to a reduction in tobacco intake.

But even second-hand smoke can cause damage through exposure. The thousands of toxins in cigarette smoke can cause your eyes to grow irritated and dry, increasing their susceptibility to disease and injury. Be sure to stand upwind from smokers when in public areas, or ask your associates to not smoke in your presence, if you can. Your vision and lungs will thank you!

Get a Cool Pair of Shades

That’s right, it’s good for your eyes to go out and do a bit of shopping. Protection from sun in the form of stylish sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection rarely has to cost more than $10 to $15 dollars, an investment that’ll prevent thousands in damage from direct exposure to the sun’s rays. These are essentials for sunny days in summer and snowy days in winter.

Visit a Doctor Regularly

This isn’t just for eye appointments. Routine physicals and dental visits are important, too – especially if you see your health as interconnected. Regular visits to your general physician, dentist, and ophthalmologist means that any issues developing anywhere in your body have little time to get worse, vastly improving your overall health over the course of your life – and minimizing the need for more invasive medical procedures.

If you’re looking for a regular eye doctor to partner with, we’d love for you to consider us. With over eight offices in the Roanoke area and additional offices in Martinsville, Blacksburg, Smith Mountain Lake, and Wytheville, Vistar Eye Center’s doctors are accessible and eager to ensure that you always see life’s special moments. Schedule your next appointment at a convenient location today.