Get Your Eyes Ready for Spring
We’ve all seen the weather changing here lately, with some amazing, 60-plus degree days that harken spring and summer. Preparing your eyes for increasing sunshine and spring weather is an essential aspect of maintaining ocular health. Proper nutrition is central to eye health, and incorporating certain foods into your diet can provide a significant boost in this regard. Foods like blueberries, salmon, spinach, and sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help protect your eyes from damage caused by excessive sunlight exposure.
Foods such as salmon, oranges, broccoli, nuts, spinach, and blueberries are great for your eyes. Image Courtesy: Envato Elements
While proper nutrition is essential, so is taking steps to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of the sun. Wearing sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection is crucial for safeguarding your eyes when spending time outdoors. In addition, investing in wide-brimmed hats and using an umbrella can provide additional protection against the sun's harmful rays.
A good pair of sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection is critical for protecting your eyes when outdoors. And if you’re out when it’s recently rained, or out on the snow on a sunny day, the sun’s reflection can be especially damaging. Of course, if you need some great sunglasses, look no further than eyesonbroadway.com Image Courtesy: Envato Element
Sunlight has been linked to positive mood and feelings of well-being. Studies have shown that sunlight exposure can increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. However, overexposure to sunlight can lead to serious health consequences like skin cancer, cataracts, and macular degeneration. It's crucial to strike a balance between getting sunshine for mood enhancement and enjoying outdoor activities while also taking measures to protect your eyes and skin.
The Pacific Northwest, particularly Portland, Oregon, is known for its unpredictable weather patterns. With the arrival of spring, it's essential to take advantage of fair weather days by engaging in outdoor activities. Incorporating regular exercise like walking, jogging, or hiking into your routine can significantly benefit your overall health and add value to your eye care regimen. Of course, we’re lucky here in the PNW with so many ways to get outside and enjoy.
Good exercise is directly related to ocular health (and mental health). The release of serotonin reduces stress and can help alleviate ocular issues. Of course, wear sunglasses and sunscreen! Image Courtesy: Envato Elements
Engaging in outdoor activities can be good for your whole body, including your eyes. By maintaining a healthy body through exercise and nutrition, you are indirectly promoting your ocular health. Being active also reduces stress, which is critical in mitigating some of the negative health effects associated with excessive sunlight exposure.
In conclusion, taking steps to prepare your eyes for increasing sunshine and spring weather requires a comprehensive approach. Maintaining a healthy diet that incorporates nutrient-rich foods, protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays, balancing sunlight exposure for mood enhancement, and engaging in outdoor activities, all contribute to the overall health of your eyes and body. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the spring and summer months while safeguarding your vision. If you have more questions about how to work towards your best eye health, which just might include getting a new pair of lenses, sunglasses, etc., well, you’ve come to the right place. Enjoy it out there!