A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES!

If you’ve stumbled upon this article at the end of a long work week where you’ve spent countless hours staring at a computer screen, your eyes are probably feeling tired and sore ... 

While you could reach for the eye drops, quick getaway to somewhere scenic may be just what the eye doctor ordered – and it’s a heck of a lot more fun!

Image:pexels.com

One of the benefits of spending time outdoors – whether it’s watching a sunset, walking through the park, soaking up some mountain scenery or admiring an ocean view - is that it allows your eyes to focus on objects at a distance. 

This gives them a welcome break from the close-up work that is so much a part of our daily lives. Most of us are glued to our phone, computer or TV screens from morning til night, placing unprecedented demands on our eyes to maintain a tight focus. 

It’s therefore not surprising that eye strain, headaches, and even myopia (short sightedness) - are becoming much more common. Remember when you were a kid, and your parents told you not to sit so close to the TV as you could ruin your eyesight? Seems there may have been some truth to this!

Traditionally it was thought that being nearsighted was a benign condition, however evidence now suggests that it can increase your risk of developing more serious vision problems, particularly later in life. This is quite alarming given the fact that we are rapidly moving towards a “myopia epidemic”, with half of the world’s population expected to be affected by 2050.

Once you take all this into account, you quickly realise there’s never been a better reason to take a quick break outdoors, whether it’s a picnic at the park or a walk along the shore! 

When you're out in nature, there's no need to strain your eyes to focus on something close-up. Instead, you can let your gaze wander off into the distance, taking in the beauty of your surroundings. 

And the benefits don’t stop there. When we are in front of a screen we tend to blink less often, which may cause a condition called dry eye syndrome. Being out in nature, surrounded by fresh air and natural beauty, means you're more likely to blink regularly, and keep your eyes moist and healthy. 

Of course, there are plenty of other benefits to enjoying the beauty of nature, from reducing stress, to improving mood, and giving you a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And let's not forget the Instagram-worthy photo ops!

So, next time you’re feeling tired and overworked, and your eyes are gritty and sore, take some time out in nature. It will not only soothe your soul – your eyes will thank you for it too!