DPT Vision

The idea of contact lenses has been around since 1508 when Leonardo da Vinci wrote the Codex of the eye, Manual D, but it was not until Adolf Fick fitted the first successful contact lenses in 1888 that they were actually put to use. Since then, advances in technology and a deeper understanding of the anatomy and functioning of the eyes have brought about more effective and comfortable contact lenses.

Many people who need to wear corrective lenses to remedy visual problems are now opting for contact lenses in favor of eyeglasses. Indeed, there are a number of good reasons to.

Perhaps the most obvious reason is cosmetic. No matter how eyeglass designers remodel, enhance, or smarten up eyeglass frames, there will always be that piece of plastic or wire sitting on your nose and ears, and hanging in front of your face. Of course, they have come up with beautiful designs, but many people believe that the best way to look good is to have nothing obstructing your face.

This is especially true for persons whose eyes require lenses of very high strengths, as these could make their eyes appear much bigger than they really are. This distorts the proportion of their eyes to the rest of their facial features.

Equally important, some would actually say more important, are the visual reasons. Contact lenses deliver a more natural vision. This is because the distance between the eyeglass lenses and the eyes can create some distortion in the size and distance of objects seen. Also because of this distance, peripheral vision is narrowed. As you look to your side, your eyes focus on an area outside of the corrective lenses, which results in blurred vision.

Vision is also more stable with contacts as they are not affected by quick and even bouncy body movements. This is why they are preferred by sportsmen and women. Even if you are not into sports, glasses can periodically slide down your nose while sweating.

When walking from an air-conditioned room out into a warmer area, glasses often fog up. And if it is raining, you can expect a few raindrops splattering over the lenses. These require you to wipe the moisture off. With contact lenses, these are not a problem.

The world is full of stunning sights in spectacular colors. There are so many beautiful faces and places to see. It would be quite a pity if, after reveling in them, you lose your sight and never see them again.

This is why taking care of your eyes is important. It involves regular check-ups, limiting exposure to chemicals that can harm them, keeping them clean, and eating the right foods. Among the nutrients needed to keep your eyes healthy are calcium, zinc, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, sulforaphane, and Vitamins A, C, B6, and E. All these help to fight macular degeneration and cataracts. Fortunately, they can be obtained from many fruits and vegetables. Indeed, the list of recommended foods is rather long and it may be easy to forget them, but you can always start with ABC.

A – Avocados and Acerolas. Avocado is native to central Mexico but is now grown in many tropical countries worldwide. It contains monounsaturated fat, which supplies up to 75% of its calories, and it is rich in potassium, lutein, Vitamins A, B6, C, and E. Apart from preventing eye disorders, it also lowers cholesterol levels. Acerolas are also called Barbados or West Indies cherries. Like Avocados, they contain plenty of Vitamin C, as well as beta-carotene.

B – Bell Peppers, Blueberries, Broccoli, and Brussels Sprouts. Bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels Sprouts are all rich in the powerful antioxidant Vitamin C. Broccoli also has plenty of calcium, lutein, zeaxanthin, and sulforaphane, as well as a fair amount of beta-carotene. Blueberries, on the other hand, contain anthocyanins which combat the development of night blindness.

C – Carrots, Cantaloupe, Celery, Chili Peppers, Collards, and Corn. Beta-carotene is primarily associated with carrots, but apart from this, carrots are also a good source of lutein, zeaxanthin, and Vitamin C. The same is true with chili peppers, although their lutein, zeaxanthin, and Vitamin C may not be as rich as the carrots’. Celery, particularly the darker greens, has lutein and zeaxanthin. Collards and corn also contain the same nutrients, as well as beta-carotene and Vitamin C.

These foods can be prepared and cooked in many ways to make them appetizing and delicious. The best part about them, however, is not just their taste but the health benefits they provide your eyes.