Eyesight improvement tip #2
Get plenty of natural light
Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors.
Prehistoric men didn't have any "indoors". Ancient hunter-gatherers spent most of their time outside under natural light - be it the clouded sky or the sun.
If you think that UV light is harmful to the eyes, a lot of research shows that not only too much of UV but also a lack of UV exposure will cause some nasty diseases.
By the same token, drinking 5 liters of water in one shot will likely kill you, but it doesn't mean you should avoid water altogether. Moderation is the key. It applies to all nutrients, including light.
The famous neuroscientist Andrew Huberman in his podcast suggests that we should spend at least 2 hours per day outside without sunglasses to prevent myopia. He cites several studies conducted on thousands of subjects.
Healthy vision tips:
If you are inside, move as close as possible to the window. Be aware, though, that it's only a half measure since the glass blocks a lot of light, including all UVB. As you may know, UVB light is necessary for the production of vitamin D.
Maximize the time you spend outside. If you are currently light-sensitive and use sunglasses - be gentle with yourself. Start with cloudy weather and shady areas, and slowly work your way to the sunlight. Your eyes will need some time to adjust to the natural light.
Eventually, you want to wean yourself off the sunglasses. If you go too fast, the bright light will cause strain in your eyes, and we want to avoid it.
Recommended videos
Recommended books
- Optimal Eyesight by Esther Joy van der Werf
- Light: Medicine Of The Future by Jacob Liberman
Eyesight improvement tips from an evolutionary point of view
Changing habits may be tricky:
- some habits are very addictive
- introducing a very rapid change may cause stress to your body and slow down your progress
If you want to succeed, please read carefully the section How to change habits quickly before introducing any changes in your lifestyle.
