Use Simple Techniques to Maintain, Improve Vision

As the Chinese proverb goes: the eyes are the window of one's soul! It is essential that we take care of this organ of vision.

Every year, one out of six Americans age 55 or older develops macular degeneration, and over a million suffer severe vision loss. Here's how you can beat these odds and maintain your vision for years to come.

Food for Sight
Let nature help you prevent vision loss with its offering of foods and herbs that benefit your eyesight. Spinach is full of lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that protect your retina from the macular degeneration that comes with age.

Don't forget: fat increases lutein absorption, so remember to sauté your spinach in a little olive oil. Carrots, loaded with vitamin A, are also a great help to your eyes. Bilberry, a cousin of blueberry, boosts blood flow to eye nerves and is also rich in antioxidants.

There are many herbs currently on the market that have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to improve vision. Wolfberry, also known popularly as goji berry, is used to strengthen the eyesight. It is also filled with carotenoids.

Chrysanthemum flower can reduce pressure buildup in the eye. Peppermint is a traditional treatment for clearing the vision, as well as a rich source of antioxidants. Taking vitamin E daily can cut the risk of cataract by half. If these herbs are unavailable, they can also be taken in the form of supplements. Always consult your physician before beginning any new health program

Eyesight Fitness
These exercises, designed and used for patients at the Tao of Wellness Center, are helpful for maintaining and improving your vision.

Try to do these exercises first thing in the morning and just before bed. Another good time is when your eyes feel tired, such as right after computer use. Make sure that your hands are clean and that you are relaxed in body and mind. The key to progress is practicing regularly, preferably every single day.

1. Warming the Eyes: Rub your palms together to create heat, and then place them against your eyes for five seconds. Repeat this three times. 

2. Pressing the Rim of the Valley: Use both thumbs and press slowly from the inside outward along the upper rim of the eye sockets. Then switch to both index fingers and press along the lower rim of the eye sockets from the inside outward. Repeat three times.

3. Rolling the Marble: Press the back of your thumbs gently against the eyeballs; slowly roll up and down 12 times. Then slowly roll from side to side 12 times.

4. Turning the Wheels of Fortune: Place the thumb knuckles at both temple areas and massage in circular motion three times. Repeat the same actions above the mid-point of the eyebrows at the forehead, then below the eyes on both sides of the bridge of the nose.

5. Staring at the Light: hold an object out in front of you as far as possible. Focus your eyes on the object while slowly moving the object closer until it is six inches from your nose. Then focus on the object as you move it slowly away from you. Repeat this three times and relax briefly in between.

6. Spinning the Basketball: With your eyes open, roll eyes clockwise, then counter-clockwise three times each. Try to look into the sockets of your eyes as much as possible.

7. Taking a Nap on the Job: Put your head back, close your eyes, and relax for three minutes.

Additionally, take care of your eyes by avoiding irritants, eye fatigue, and strong sunlight (or wear UV-protective sunglasses).

I hope you see long into your future days. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

—Dr. Mao

Source
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/3259/use-simple-techniques-to-maintain-improve-vision/