Proper nutrition is important for good health and emotional wellbeing, but did you know that it also plays a huge role in your eyes’ health? Eyes require good nutritional support for a lifetime of proper function.
As we age and expose our eyes to various environmental hazards such as UV light, good nutrition becomes critical. When it comes to healthy vision, micronutrients are most important.
To keep your eyes working like new for a lifetime, try these foods and vitamins:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an important micronutrient for ocular health and good vision. This vitamin is necessary for the production of retinal pigments used by the light-sensing rods and cones in the retina. The most effective way to supplement your body with Vitamin A is by consuming vegetables that are rich in carotenoids including carrots, sweet potatos, kale, spinach, pumpkin and collard greens.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and Zeaxanthin, also considered carotenoids, help protect the eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Studies show that foods containing these pigments help lower the incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Foods containing Lutein and Zeaxanthin include eggs, spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini and tomatoes.
These compounds have been shown to effectively slow down the progression of certain types of AMD. The AREDS-2 formulation found in Preservision 2 Eye Vitamin and Mineral Supplement is one such product.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These promote great cardiovascular health. Studies show that people consuming foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids are cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, herring etc.), fish oil, walnuts, flax seeds, avocados and dark, leafy vegetables. Omega-3 is also very helpful in individuals with Dry Eyes and is now a standard treatment for this problem.
Adding these important foods to your diet is a great way to maintain and improve your eye health. It’s also important to visit your eye doctor annually for a comprehensive eye exam. Contact the Coastal Jersey Eye Center today to schedule an appointment.
Stephen H. Uretsky, MD of the Coastal Jersey Eye Center is a leading board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in comprehensive eye care. The Coastal Jersey Eye Center has offices in Linwood and Cape May Court House. To make an appointment, call us at (609) 927-3373 in Linwood or (609) 465-7926 in Cape May Court House, or visit us online at www.coastaljerseyeye.com.
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