A Guide to Good Eye Care

>

Let medicine be our food, a sound statement, however, there are times when possibly because we failed to pay attention to what we ate and how much exercise we got, we need to interact with the health care system.

About 20 years ago my family doctor told me I was on the verge of developing Type 2 diabetes. She put me in contact with a nutritionist and we worked out a diet. I stuck to it for several years, but then got lazy.

Sure enough, my blood glucose levels rose.

Since then, my diabetes is controlled by proper eating and exercise, usually a long and vigorous walk each day.

I also have high blood pressure and have a number of prescribed medications to take daily, and am thankful for the health benefits we have through work.

Some months back I woke and noticed what looked like cobwebs in my eyes. A quick call to my family physician lead to a visit to a specialist who said I have floater which the CNIB defines as being dark specks in the form of dots, circles, lines, or cobwebs that seem to move across your field of vision.

A closer examination lead to laser surgeries (two in each eye) which repaired the damage caused by diabetic retinopathy. This is a change in the tiny blood vessels that feed the retina. In the early stages, the blood vessels weaken and leak fluid or tiny amounts of blood. This causes swelling of the retina.

My vision was 20/20 and the floaters began to diminish.

Eyes are fairly simple to look after; wear goggles when doing any work or playing a sport that may result in an object hitting the eye. When it comes to food, eat leafy greens, carrots, garlic, onions, blueberries and fish such as tuna.

I always emphasize exercise when it comes to any type of health care and suggest walking as a great way to get a regular workout. However, before beginning an exercise routine, check with your doctor; it is good to know what shape you are in, before trying to get into shape.

If you notice anything unusual with your vision, pain, blurriness, dryness, contact your doctor.

One of the best tips applies to keeping colds and flu at bay as well, wash yoru hands regularly. How often each day do you touch your eyes?

.

We rub our eyes when tired and can casue damage or allow anything that may be on our hands to enter so hand washing is an important eye care element.

Get a good pair of sunglasses and wear them when outside especially on sunny and windy days. The glasses not only protect your eyes from the Sun but keep wind blown particles out of your eyes.

Eye care is simple and failure to take good care of your eyes can have serious repercussions.