Practical Tips For Naturally Brighter & Whiter Eyes
A person’s eyes can stay with you for a long time after meeting them. As humans, we are naturally drawn to the eyes of the person we are interacting with. Whether that person is tall or short, bald or thick-haired, young or old – it is usually their eyes that hold our attention. And there is something about clear and shining eyes that leave a particularly lasting impression.
However, the sad truth is that many things can affect the brightness and natural whiteness of our eyes. Our modern environments, from screen-filled rooms to air pollution, can have a significant impact on the health of our eyes. But there are some things we can do to help keep our eyes looking and feeling fresh and healthy.
The fact is that, while our eyes may suffer as a result of our environment, much of their deterioration is a result of neglect.
Whether an allergic reaction has left your eyes red and puffy; you’ve developed glaucoma as a result of built-up toxins in your body, or sun exposure has left your eyes dull and hardened – there are often things we can do to retain our eye health.
However, it is important to recognise that there is no quick fix to dull or lifeless eyes. While placing frozen spoons over your eyelids may offer some temporary refreshment, it’s going to take much more than this to achieve long-lasting results.
The answer to maintaining naturally bright and white eyes – the kind of eyes that leave people dazzled when you meet them – is to introduce a few fundamental changes to the way you live. Don’t worry though – they’re also quick and easy!
Whiter and Brighter Eyes – The Natural Way
It may not be surprising to learn that adequate hydration is essential for maintaining healthy and bright eyes, After all, our eyes are almost three-quarters water!
Dehydration can therefore mean that our eyes – along with other water-rich organs such as the skin, lungs, and kidneys – are left to bear the burden. But this isn’t always resolved by simply drinking a few glasses of water – particularly if you are already drinking the recommended amount of water and are still dehydrated.
Many things can affect our body’s hydration levels. For example, over-consumption of caffeine or eating diets that are high in refined sugars, salt, carbohydrates and trans fats can all have a significant impact on our body’s ability to stay adequately hydrated. So, what can we do to ensure this doesn’t happen?
Change Your Diet
As hinted at above, having a poor diet can have a significant impact on your overall health – and the health of your eyes. Certain foods can lead to a build-up of toxins in the liver and, if your eyes are a window to anything aside from the soul, it is this vital organ.
In addition to cutting back on refined sugar and salt, dieticians would recommend favouring more water-based fruits and vegetables, particularly those that are high in vitamins A and C. For example, melons, strawberries, apples, and pineapples are said to be the most hydrating fruits!
Other foods that are known for their eye-whitening effects are almonds (which are particularly high in vitamin E and antioxidants), fennel (which are good for digestion and detoxing), and aloe vera (known for its anti-inflammatory properties).
Turmeric, a common spice, may also be beneficial in preventing some eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. Curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric, is a potent antioxidant that is thought to be one of the best supplements for promoting eye health!
Thoughtful Blinking
Overhauling your diet and cutting back on the caffeine can be tougher than most of us realise. Thankfully, some smaller and more immediate steps could also help to promote the appearance of whiter and brighter eyes.
Blinking is one of the body’s many natural functions. It delivers hydrating fluid to the surface of our eyes – a vital requirement for fending off irritants and preventing dryness. Studies have shown that our blink rate can significantly decrease when we perform particular activities, including when looking at screens.
Being mindful of this effect and blinking more frequently could therefore be effective at helping to keep our eyes looking healthy and feeling comfortable! Of course, an easier way to tackle this screen-induced blink draught is to cut back on screen time or give yourself regular breaks!
For more information about how to keep your eyes looking and feeling as healthy as possible, why not contact one of our friendly clinic coordinators? Or if you are interested in how Laser Eye Surgery could help you, Book a Consultation today.