Did you know that all blue-eyed people share a common ancestor?
Our eyes are far more impressive than we know. Your sense of vision is a beautiful and complex part of your everyday life, and something you may easily take for granted. But it’s important to take the time to recognize what makes all that beauty possible and take steps to protect our eyes.
Scientists and researchers are discovering amazing new things about our eyes and bodies every day. According to the CDC, approximately 14 million individuals, 12 years and older, have impaired vision and more than 80% could be corrected to good vision.
Healthy vision tips:
- Eat right to protect your sight. You’ve heard that carrots are good for your eyes. But eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, or collard greens, is important to keep your eyes healthy. Also, according to studies, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut provides health benefits for your eyes as well.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma.
- Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This short exercise can help reduce eyestrain.
- Practice workplace eye safety. When protective eyewear is required as a part of your job, make a habit of wearing the appropriate type at all times, and encourage your coworkers to do the same.
- Regular check up with your doctor. According to the American Optometric Association, periodic eye and vision examinations are an important part of your preventive health care.
The CDC reports that vision loss causes a substantial social and economic toll for millions of people including significant suffering, disability, loss of productivity, and diminished quality of life. Vision disability is one of the top 10 disabilities among adults 18 years and older and one of the most prevalent disabling conditions among children.
6 Outstanding Eye Facts by Visionsource
- If your eyes are blue, you share a common ancestor with every other blue-eyed individual in the world. Early humans all had brown eyes until someone developed a genetic mutation that made their eyes blue.
- Eyes use about 65 percent of our brainpower, more than any other part of the body. Proof that our eye is one of the most complex organs we have!
- “Red eye” in photos occurs when light from a camera flash bounces off the back of the eye. The choroid layer at the back of the eye is rich in blood vessels. Light reflecting off of it makes the eye appear red!
- Newborns don’t produce tears. Babies may make crying sounds, but actual tears don’t start flowing until they are between four and 13 weeks old.
- The muscles that control your eyes are the most active out of all the muscles in your body. Your eyes are constantly making tiny jerking movements called “microsaccades.” Even when you think you’re staring at something unflinchingly, your eyes are actually moving involuntarily.
- Eyes see an average of 24 million different images in a lifetime. 24 million! Take it all in.
Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms, so you might not know a problem exists. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision problems can help prevent vision loss. Your eyes are an important part of your health. Eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and protecting ourselves from harmful substances are great ways to care for our vision and overall health.
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Educate . Empower . Encourage
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
For more information, please contact me at althea@altheamcleish.com or leave a comment below.
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