Much attention has been paid to the obesity epidemic in recent years, but one study suggests there may be a silver lining to carrying around extra weight – each unit increase in BMI (body mass index) offers women a six percent lower risk for normal-tension glaucoma, according to Doctor.NDTV. The study also indicated that women who were overweight when they were young had lower risk of normal-tension glaucoma.
However, individuals should not take this to mean that experts are suggesting obesity is not detrimental to their health. There are other steps women can take to guard their eye health. The American Optometric Association (AOA) reports that wearing sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UV rays can reduce one’s chances of developing eye health problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. 39DollarGlasses has a huge selection of frames that work great for sunglasses, from Gucci to Ray Ban and Persol to Tom Ford Sunglasses. Check out the bling-happy Rikki shades for women, or the sleek Intrigue frames for men. The AOA also suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help preserve one’s vision.
On that subject, barbecues with friends and family are one of the best parts of the summertime. And, though hamburgers and hot dogs don’t normally qualify as healthy fare, watermelon, an item that’s likely to make its way onto the dessert table, could actually help improve your eye health.
According to EarthTimes.org, the vitamin A in the juicy fruit is beneficial to your vision. So, go ahead, have seconds…thirds even! In addition to being good for your peepers, there are other benefits to chowing down on watermelon. The fruit also contains vitamin B6, which may help regulate chemicals such as serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine, which can help your system cope with stress. Watermelon is also rich in potassium and vitamin C, which are vital in overall health.
Along with eating foods that are high in vitamin A, there are other actions that you can take to protect your vision. Throwing on a pair of shades could make you feel cool and see better, but the American Optometric Association suggests donning sunglasses that offer 99 percent UVA and UVB protection, to prevent eye health conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
