Nutrition is a Key Part of Eye Health
Often when we talk about our overall health, we forget about our eyes. We work out to keep our bodies strong. We read to keep our brains active. But what about our eyes? Maintaining healthy eyes is crucial, and the best way to do that is through proper nutrition.
More Information About Eye Nutrition From Our Cary Eye Doctors
Maintaining Good Vision by Watching What You Eat
Research indicates that certain nutrients and vitamins can help prevent diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Eating well could make a significant long term difference in your vision, so it’s worth paying a little extra attention to what’s on your plate.
As a general rule, your diet should be colourful; including lots of fruits and vegetables like oranges, spinach, carrots and blueberries.
A Feast for Your Eyes
Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and dry eye. Salmon, walnuts, and flax are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Beta-carotene may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Carrots, kale, and butternut squash are good sources of beta-carotene.
Zinc helps prevent night blindness and may help prevent macular degeneration. Beef, oysters, and dark turkey meat are good sources of zinc.
Vitamin A may help prevent night blindness and dry eye. Eggs, milk, and butter are good sources of vitamin a.
Vitamin C can help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Strawberries, broccoli, and cantaloupe are good sources of vitamin c.
Vitamin D may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Spending a few minutes in the sun is the best source of vitamin d.
Vitamin E reduces the risk of advanced macular degeneration. Almonds, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts are good sources of vitamin e.
Supplementing Your Diet
It can be hard to get all the nutrients you need from three square meals a day. Add the fact that your busy lifestyle often means relying on drive-thrus and fast food, and a balanced diet seems almost impossible. Luckily, almost everything your body requires comes in pill form.
Supplements shouldn’t replace a healthy diet, but they can help to fill any gaps. Most of the nutrients listed above are available in oral supplements. There are also a number of over the counter supplements that have been formulated specifically for eye health. Ask your pharmacist to show you which supplements might work best for you.
Check With Your Doctor First
Before you start taking anything new, even if it’s not prescription, it’s best to talk to your optometrist or your general practitioner. Some medications react negatively with others, so it’s important that you give your doctor all the information they need to help you make the right choice. Your pharmacist is another good person to approach with questions about medication.