How to keep your optic nerve healthy? Lifestyle changes and other ways

Our eyes basically consist of the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, and optic nerve. The optic nerve is also called the second cranial nerve, and it is located at the back of our eyes. Simply put, it is the wire that connects our eyes to our brain! The function of the optic nerve is to transfer visual information from the retina to the vision centers of the brain via neurotransmitters. Now you understand how important it is to have a healthy and properly functioning optic nerve!

Several eye diseases can occur from an impaired optic nerve like glaucoma, optic neuritis, optic nerve atrophy, and optic nerve head drusen. Glaucoma is the most common eye disease caused by a damaged optic nerve. This condition is caused by excessive fluid build-up in the eye. It leads to increased pressure (Intraocular pressure) in the eye and damages the nerves in the optic nerve. When the communication between the eyes and the brain is damaged, the patients start to see blind spots in their vision. This condition, if left untreated, can even lead to complete blindness.

Eye pressure management is the conventional way to prevent glaucoma. But there are instances of glaucoma development even with a normal level of eye pressure. Studies on optic nerve health suggest that diet, exercise, and healthy blood circulation play a critical role in the optic nerve and eye health. Hence, we are listing some important tips to keep your eyes healthy in general.

Eat a balanced diet and make sure to get enough key vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. Vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin are some key elements for a healthy pair of eyes.
Quit smoking. Smoking damages pretty much most of your body parts including your eyes since it directly affects the blood circulation and oxygen supply. Do yourself the favor of quitting smoking, and your body will start recovering immediately.
Stay fit and keep the blood circulating well. Exercise is super-important for a healthy body, and your eyes are a part of it. There are several eye exercises (hyperlink) you can do to keep your eyes fit.
Wear protective eyewear including sunglasses. Injuries to your eyes can make long-lasting and irreversible damages to your eyes. Make sure to wear protective eyewear while using hazardous materials or while playing dangerous sports. UV rays in sunlight are also harmful to the eyes, so wear your sunglasses when you are exposed to direct sunlight.
Manage lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and multiple sclerosis. Most people are aware of the detrimental effects of diabetes on our eyes, but few are aware of the eyesight problems associated with other chronic conditions. These conditions can cause inflammation in the optic nerve. Inflammation in the optic nerve can cause pain and vision loss over time.
Learn your family’s eye health history and visit your eye doctor regularly. Do not avoid symptoms that indicate poor eye health as it can be the beginning of more serious eye disease.

These are some effective ways to maintain optimal blood flow to the optic nerve and maintain healthy eye pressure (Intraocular pressure). Apart from all this, including bilberries, blackcurrants, grape seeds, and saffron in the diet has shown to be beneficial to the optic nerve health because of their antioxidant properties.

The bottom line is, living a healthy lifestyle and protecting your eyes from damaging things like hazardous materials and sunlight is what we can do to maintain a healthy pair of eyes. Seek professional help if you notice symptoms of poor eye health.

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