Shortsightedness, or Myopia, is caused by the change of shape of the eyeball, as well as the weakening of the inner muscles controlling the lens of the eye. Taking breaks in between short periods of reading, watching of television, or computer activity helps to prevent and slow down the worsening of Myopia.
Vitamin A is absolutely essential for eye and vision health. In our bodies, Vitamin A is required by the retina for its proper functioning in the eyes.
Besides, Vitamin A is necessary for the production of rhodopsin, the visual pigment required for low light levels. One of the causes of night blindness is Vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A supplements are often recommended for people with poor night vision, along with a diet emphasizing Vitamin A-rich foods, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, mangoes, spinach, and cantaloupe. Vitamin A helps your eyes adjust to light changes; it also moistens the eyes, which helps to enhance visual acuity. Vitamin A has also been shown to prevent the formation of cataracts and blindness from macular degeneration.
Bilberry is thought to improve night vision. A close relative of the cranberry, bilberry is high in a certain type of bioflavonoid that speeds up the regeneration of rhodopsin, the purple pigment used by the eyes’ rods.
Bilberry fruits also contain flavonoid compounds called anthocyanidins. Flavonoids are plant pigments that have excellent anti-oxidant properties and they have been shown to help prevent a number of long-term illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss and legal blindness in older people.
Lastly, our eyes contain the greatest concentration of zinc in our body. This essential material is required for the conversion of beta-carotene into Vitamin A. Therefore, zinc is also a crucial element for proper development of the eyes.
About Dr Dana Elliott
Dr Dana Elliott Srither, MBBS (Singapore), Grad Dip Family Medicine, is a certified Family Physician who believes in the principles of “Get Well” and “Stay Well”.
For more related articles on your child's health, see:
Avoid making these mistakes to your child’s eyes
The many ways to keep your child healthy