Eyesight is something we can't take for granted so make sure you keep your vision bright and clear with our top tips for Healthy Eyes

1.    Eating for healthy eyes

Include plenty of antioxidant and omega 3 rich foods to prevent the development of degenerative eye conditions. The carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, appear to perform as natural sunglasses, filtering out some of the sun’s harmful rays.

• capsicum
• pumpkin
• spinach
• broccoli
• oily fish
• whole eggs
• berries

2.    Exercise your eyes to keep them strong and active

You can relieve eyestrain by exercising the muscles that control your eyes. This is really important if you spend most of your day staring at a screen. Try this eye exercise:

• Look as high as possible without moving your head and then look down. Repeat 10 times. Close your eyes for 30 seconds. Next:
• Looking right as far as possible, then left, without moving your head. Close your eyes for 20 seconds. Next:
• Make 10 wide circles clockwise with your eyes. Repeat counter-clockwise. Relax your eyes for 30 seconds.

3.    Consider wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes

Too much sunshine directly into your eyes can be harmful - particularly if it's for long periods of time when the sun is full in the sky.  You can benefit from sunshine in the eyes during the first and last hours of light in the day i.e. at sunrise and sunset when the light is not too intense. Wearing sunglasses is one answer when the sun is bright during the day (check with your optometrist about the best kind for you).  But don't get 'addicted' to wearing your sunnies too often! Wearing a hat or sun-visor can also provide protection whilst still allowing the benefits of natural light to come into your eyes.

4.    Quit smoking for stronger eyes

You know smoking is harmful. But do you know that smokers are more likely to have optic nerve damage, cataracts and macular degeneration?

5.    Healthy weight and blood pressure for healthy eyes

High blood pressure is common in overweight people. This can add pressure to the delicate vessels of your eyes, affecting blood flow and making it harder for nutrients to reach them. It is also less likely that free radical accumulation can be effectively carried away. Also, if you maintain a healthy weight, you have a lower chance of developing age-related macular degeneration. As always, any questions or concerns you have regarding herbal supplements to help your vision, all you have to do is drop by Mr Vitamins and ‘Ask a Naturopath’.

Mr Vitamins Recommends

Thompson's One-A-Day Bilberry 12000 Capsules

• Helps support and maintain healthy eye function and healthy capillaries 
• Provides a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect cells from free radical damage

Find out more and shop on-line for Thompson's Bilberry 12000 here