With the development of electronic information, visual problems have become a key concern for people. Not to mention adults, even children use phones every day, which leads to severe visual impairment. How can we alleviate this symptom? We should eat more eye-protecting foods.
What are some eye-protecting foods in daily life?
1. Spinach
Eating a large amount of spinach can reduce the risk of age-related blindness. This is because spinach contains carotenoids, pigments found in green leafy vegetables and yellow vegetables. People who eat a large amount of these vegetables every day have a 43% reduced risk of developing macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is an eye disease associated with the elderly, which causes the central vision component to be lost.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are very nutritious, and the amount of vitamin C in tomatoes is equivalent to that in 2.5 kilograms of apples, 3 kilograms of bananas, or 4 kilograms of pears. While vitamin C in most vegetables is reduced by 5% after cooking for three minutes, tomatoes lose less vitamin C compared to other vegetables when cooked.
3. Carrots
Carrots have two characteristics. First, they have a higher sugar content than most vegetables and have a sweet aroma. Second, they contain abundant carotenoids, which can be converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A helps maintain the health of the eyes and skin. People who lack vitamin A are prone to skin roughness, night blindness, dry eyes, and children are especially vulnerable during their growth and development.
4. Broccoli
If you have poor night vision, eating broccoli regularly can help. Broccoli contains anthocyanins, which enhance night vision.
5. Chives
Chives are rich in non-rich vitamin A and vitamin C. They also contain protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, fiber, and volatile oils. In addition, chives have antimicrobial properties and can be used as seasonings and for sterilization.
6. Bananas
When the body takes in too much salt, it can cause excessive water retention in cells. This can lead to red and swollen eyes. Potassium in bananas can help the body excrete excess salt, balance potassium and sodium levels, and relieve discomfort in the eyes.
The harmful habits that damage our eyes
1. Prolonged close-distance use of eyes
Misjudging the distance and time of eye use is a major reason for eye strain.
2. Indiscriminate use of eye drops
Eye drops should not be used casually. When people feel discomfort such as eye soreness and inflammation, they tend to rely on eye drops for relief. However, this can be detrimental to health. Most eye drops contain preservatives, which can damage the cornea and may cause serious consequences if not used properly.
3. Poor eye hygiene habits
Many people have not paid attention to eye hygiene since childhood. When their eyes are uncomfortable, they tend to rub them with their hands. However, hands harbor the most bacteria. A study in the United States found that unwashed hands may harbor hundreds of thousands of bacteria, which can cause various eye diseases, especially conjunctivitis and trachoma.
4. Urban light pollution
Nowadays, we can say that we live not in a concrete jungle, but in a mirror maze. Walls with glass or mirrors, light reflected from polished marble floors, and various colored light sources are collectively referred to as "light pollution." Prolonged exposure to this type of light can stimulate the retina, leading to eye fatigue and decreased visual function.
5. Nicotine in tobacco
Tobacco is harmful to the body in countless ways. The most common harm to the eyes caused by smoking is amblyopia. This is because when smoking, the oxygen inhaled by the body is consumed, causing a decrease in the oxygen content in the blood. The retina is particularly sensitive to hypoxia. Over time, the optic nerve fibers can degenerate, resulting in decreased vision and even blindness.
