* Smoking can cause poor circulation of nutrients
to the retinas and lenses of your eyes.

* Sometime after age 40, the lenses within the
eyes begin to harden and lose their elasticity.

* Physical activity helps maintain good circulation
and promotes eye health.

Sources: The National Eye Institute and the Spokane Eye Clinic


It's been said the eyes are our "windows to the world," but they are so much
more than that metaphorical insight: Our eyes can reflect our overall
health.  Because the eyes are so sensitive, trouble with them may indicate
general health problems.  High blood pressure, for example, causes blood
vessels in the eye to narrow, constricting blood flow that can lead to
glaucoma; macular degeneration can be traced in part to nutritional
deficiencies; and adult onset diabetes sometimes results in retinal damage
and cataracts.  Early detection, along with regular eye exams and attention
to maintaining healthy eyes, helps to control (and often prevent) vision
loss due to health problems. 

Eye health is also related to lifestyle.  Whether we're on the job staring
at a computer screen or engaging in leisure-time activity in the sunshine,
our eyesight can be compromised.  Additionally -- although some of us don't
like to admit it -- natural aging plays a part in those subtle changes in
vision.  (As we age our eye health is at risk because our bodies cannot
absorb enough nutrients to help support the eyes' activities.)

Our eyes are much like the rest of the body -- exercise, good nutrition and
a healthy lifestyle (including getting enough rest and not smoking) all help
to ensure good eye health.  In a perfect world, our daily diets would
include the proper amounts of protein, vegetables, carbohydrates and fat.
Unfortunately, that is usually not the case.  So, what's the best course of
action?  Reducing intake of saturated fat, sugar and artificial additives
can lower the risk of vascular disease, which in turn can improve
circulation to the eyes.  And eating more bright-colored fruits and
vegetables, such as oranges and carrots, enhances absorption of vitamin A.

But if you've had your fill of veggies and citrus, or if you just want to
make sure your body is getting enough of the nutrients it needs,
supplementation may be the answer.  Look for supplements that offer
antioxidants and lipoic acid.  Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E
support healthy eyes and protect the lens of the eye from ultraviolet
damage.  Lipoic acid is highly effective against a wide variety of oxidants,
and also has the ability to regenerate vitamins C and E.

Certain herbs are beneficial, too.  The herb bilberry has traditionally been
used to improve night vision and help adaptation to bright light, and recent
research suggests that it also enhances capillary integrity. Eyebright,
another herb, has a long history of use in maintaining healthy eyes. It
helps improve tear quality, as well as improving the health of the lens,
cornea and retina.

Eyesight is arguably the most important of our five senses.  Fortunately,
you can do your part to protect your eyesight with simple lifestyle
adjustments and making sure your body is properly nourished.  With a little
attention, those "windows to the world" can be clear and bright for years to
come.