Number ten in our blogs - it's hard to believe.
Just so you know, the Killdeer family hung out for that day,
then relocated. I am continuing with the
theme of prevention: keeping those nasty deer ticks from infecting, not letting
the COVID virus gain access to our ACE2 proteins, and now, keeping your vision optimal
and your eyes healthy.
Our health care system needs
to emphasize prevention. Yes, we need to
address urgent care and acute
conditions, but we really need to shift our emphasis to prevention for the long
haul. That is why I want to look at the body’s
circulation. The human eye has close to 1.2
million individual receptors, each capable of receiving a photon of visible light
energy and converting into an action potential.
These receptors are firing all the time, and this requires a lot of
oxygen and nutrients. We are quite aware
that we can inherit or develop eye conditions, but at the same time there are
behaviours and eating habits that can modify these conditions.
If we are discussing cholesterol, for instance, we know that we help
ourselves by changing our diet and by exercising because these modifying
behaviors help prevent arteriosclerosis.
These behaviours also benefit the eye. Under the receptors in the eye, is the
choroid, a thick network of fine blood vessels that provide nourishment. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, staying
away from omega 6 and 9 oils and trans-fats, and taking omega 3 oils all
help. Giving up smoking (and vaping)
helps with the circulation and most importantly, regular cardiovascular
exercise is needed.
Exercise can be brisk walking, cycling, jogging, running, swimming or
rowing. All these activities increase
lung capacity, improve circulation throughout the body, and over the years, will
keep the eyes well supplied with the oxygen and nutrients that they need. What is so cool about prevention is that it
is all within our reach, and it can even be done with social distancing. The key is to start as early as possible and
to make exercise a good habit. It has
been really encouraging to see a lot of people outside, walking or cycling,
during these times of isolation.
So let’s keep it up, as the saying goes, a paarlauf a day keeps the eye
doctor away,
Til next week,
The Good Doctor, Dr. Mark Germain, Burlington Eyecare.
