In September, we are meditating on our eye health with special guidance from Dr. Marc Grossman, a leading holistic optometrist and author of several books. Most recently, he published the must-read book Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing.

This month. Dr. Grossman's recommendations for integrative approaches for improving eye health also support my recommendations for practical nontoxic living.

To get started, check out our introductory interview below. And subscribe to my newsletter to stay tuned on my upcoming podcast with Dr. Marc Grossman.

Q1. Approximately how much of our eye issues are related to non-genetic factors that we can influence or control?

I feel over 80 percent of eye issues are due to non-genetic factors. How we use and abuse our eyes on digital devices is also a big factor in what happens to our eyes: function effects structure.

Q2. Do our diet and lifestyle (less outdoor time and exercise) affect eye health?

Yes, our poor diet, less physical exercise, and less time outside all can effect our vision and eye health. 

Q3. Would you comment on resiliency of eye health? For example, can vision be improved? Can other common eye health issues be improved?

Embryologically, physiology and neurology the eye is brain tissue, with neuro plasticity theory being accepted. We can have an effect on eye health from diet, lifestyle, and attitude changes. Yes, most glasses prescriptions and many eye diseases can be helped.

Q4. What do you wish more people knew about vision and eye health?

That there are many things they can do to improve and keep their precious gift of sight.

3 Key Tips for Your Eye Health

While there is so much we can do for our eyes, below are three key tips to focus on. Be sure to register for my email newsletter below to stay updated on the upcoming podcast with Dr. Marc Grossman to learn much more about simple ways we can support the resiliency of our eyes.

1. Diet. A whole foods, plant-based diet is good for many parts of you, including your eye health! So if you are concerned with your eyes, then eating more vegetables and fruits will help. Kale is one of the best foods for your eyes!

2. Exercise. Exercise is most well known for weight management, but it also contributes to your eye health too. And include specific exercises for your eyes. Ideally, you would exercise your eyes for 20 minutes a day. But even one minute is better than nothing so do the best you can!

For eye exercises, consider Dr. Marc Grossman's popular book Magic Eye Beyond 3D: Improve Your Vision:

3. Take breaks. While working or reading, be sure to take breaks. Move your eyes around, look far away, relax your eye muscles, and even press gently around your eyes to relax the surrounding eye muscles.