Keeping An Eye On Health – The London Vision Clinic Team Are Working Out

By Mary Harboe 

Physical fitness is good for our eyes as well as our bodies and minds – and with regular sessions of Zumba and yoga planned for 2014, members of the London Vision Clinic team are hoping to prove the point by working out.

It has long been established that a sedentary lifestyle spent staring at a computer screen can have a negative effect on your general health, well-being and comfort, including that of your eyes.

However, you may be relieved to know that reversing these bad habits can spell good news for your body, your stress levels, and your vision.

In 2013, the exercise-bug well and truly arrived at 138 Harley Street, with team runs in the park, boot-camp classes, and two members of staff and a patient (surgeon Glenn, Clinic Coordinator Hannah, and patient Adam, pictured) even successfully completing the Tough Mudder challenge – a gruelling 12-mile race, with obstacles along the way!

This year, London Vision Clinic are determined to keep up the good work, with post-work Zumba classes led by clinic co-ordinator Carron (who is also a qualified dance teacher and choreographer) already taking place.

Plans for yoga sessions are in the pipe-line, and there is even talk of enrolling in a half-marathon in support of the London Vision Clinic Foundation.

As well as fitness, weight and nutrition also play a key role in the health of our eyes.

A diet high in omega-3 (found in oily fish, such as herring, mackerel and fresh tuna) will help promote healthy eyes and, while carrots might not literally make you see in the dark, the vitamin A found in them is good for our eyes, as are the vegetables packed with anti-oxidants – such as spinach, kale, turnips, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

As we get older, lutein-enriched nuts and seeds are also believed to promote sharp vision and contribute to protection against the progression of age-related eye problems.

Also, try replacing your morning coffee with a cup of green tea, which is packed with eye-friendly anti-oxidants.

Today, increasing numbers of people sadly become victims of poor vision and discomfort due to lifestyle choices. Stuck to computers and television screens, and failing to make time for exercise, we are busy sacrificing our health for the sake of work or entertainment.

It is important to control your stress levels, as part of maintaining a heathy life-style, and – of course – it’s also important to relax your eyes: a final, easy tip is to keep blinking. Most people blink less when they use a computer screen, but remember that this is a very simple way to keep your eyes fresh and comfortable.

So, as we launch further into 2014, why not make healthy living the new year’s resolution you really stick to? We’re not talking drastic diets, or suggesting you drag yourself along to Tough Mudder this year – but there really are small daily changes that everyone can make, that can not only improve your fitness levels, but can also reduce stress, help you feel happier and, finally, help you take care of your eyes!

Next: Read Mary’s article about the dramas of choosing a new pair of glasses…