Foods that Support Healthy Vision

Have you ever been told, "You are what you eat?"  There may be some truth to that, especially regarding your eyes.  Though some eye diseases cannot be improved with nutrition, general health and some age-related eye disorders can actually benefit from a diet that is dense in some foods.  Getting the key nutrients for eye health can, at the very least, help postpone some of the age-related eye conditions such as AMD (age-related macular degeneration.)
 

KEY NUTRIENTS FOR HEALTHY EYES

A balanced diet is beneficial in many ways, such as weight control, bone density, and cardiovascular health.  It can also be good for your eyes.  Some of the nutrients that benefit eye health are:

Vitamin A and beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is part of a subtype of vitamin A known as a carotenoid.  Once beta-carotene is absorbed by the body, it is converted into vitamin A.  Vitamin A is essential for eye health.  A deficiency of vitamin A can result in night blindness and dry eyes.  Beta-carotene is necessary to keep the eye's surface, (cornea)moist and healthy and aids in preventing dry eye.  It can also reduce the risk of AMD and subsequent vision loss.  It improves night and peripheral vision and can fight eye infections and inflammations.  

Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a beneficial vitamin for those suffering from dry eye disease.  Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, enhance tear production, and support the eye's oily outer layer.  It can help properly drain intraocular fluid, diminishing the risk of high eye pressure resulting in glaucoma.  It can not only lower the risk of dry eye syndrome, but also protects adults from macular degeneration.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals that can cause harm to your body.  By eating an antioxidant-rich diet, you can protect your eyes from damage such as AMD or other eye damage.  In fact, studies have shown that antioxidants can reduce the risk of AMD and cataracts and slow the progression of the disease if patients already have them.
 

FOODS THAT SUPPORT EYE HEALTH

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish can support eye health and significantly slow or stop many eye conditions.  Some of the best foods include:
 

DARK LEAFY GREENS

When Mom told you to eat your veggies, she may have just been protecting your eyes.  Dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can protect your eyes and reduce your risk of macular degeneration.
 

CITRUS FRUITS AND BERRIES

Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit contain high vitamin C, which can help fight dry eyes and AMD. Strawberries and blueberries are also high in antioxidants, which can promote healthy vision.
 

FISH AND NUTS

The protein in fish and nuts contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, reducing the risk of AMD and other eye diseases. Salmon and mackerel top the list of fish high in omega-3s
 

URBAN OPTICS: YOUR GUIDE TO OPTIMUM EYE HEALTH  

At Urban Optics, we care about your eye health. We are a full-service office offering contacts and eyewear, complete eye exams, glaucoma testing, and more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for an eye exam or to discuss your eye health.