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New rules for seeing clearly

June 19, 2009 @ 12:00 AM

We can't give you X-ray vision or the ability to see what's causing the traffic tie-up a mile down the road, but we can help you make the most of the sight that you have. Protect your eyes from aging and keep your sight strong with these three rules:

1. Feed your vision. Trade Bugs Bunny for Popeye sometimes. Carrots are good for your eyes, but they're not as powerful as spinach. More eye protection comes from the lutein found in spinach than the beta carotene found in carrots. (We're not saying you should abandon carrots; just add spinach.)

2. Clarity comes to those who work it. Exercise isn't good just for your heart and waist size; 30 minutes of physical activity (do it every day!) also reduces eye pressure by 20 percent. That's important in preventing blindness-causing glaucoma. Deep breathing can reduce eye pressure, too, by helping drain your lymphatic system.

3. Stop worrying about floaters. Visual "floaters" usually aren't dangerous. Although those little black dots you see can be disturbing the first time you notice them, they're actually harmless -- unless they're increasing in frequency. The specks float around in the vitreous fluid in your eyes and are usually caused by some form of trauma (like a car accident) or from a lifetime of optical wear and tear, including straining and rubbing your eyes.

The YOU Docs -- Mike Roizen and Mehmet Oz -- are authors of "YOU: Being Beautiful -- The Owner's Manual to Inner and Outer Beauty." To submit questions and find ways to grow younger and healthier, go to www.RealAge.com, the docs' online home.