Save Your Vision Month: Eat Your Way To Healthy Eyes

Nutrients To Consider

Evidence shows that dietary antioxidant vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, E, and C and the mineral zinc can help prevent the progression of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a disease that affects a person's central vision. The macula is the part of the retina that is responsible for clear vision in your direct line of sight. The disease causes the macula to deteriorate and become thin causing blurred or reduced central vision. Dietary antioxidant vitamins and minerals help to prevent macular degeneration by protecting the macula and retina from molecules that damage the proteins and DNA within the cells. Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids is also important for retinal health. The fatty acids are present in high concentrations in the outer segments of retinal photoreceptors and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent the development of cataracts. 

Where To Find These Nutrients

Dark And Leafy Greens

Kale, spinach, and collard greens are rich in vitamins A and C as well as carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These plant-based forms of vitamins help to lower your risk of long-term eye diseases, specifically age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.  

Fish

Your retinas require two types of omega-3 fatty acids to function optimally: DHA and EPA. Fish such as salmon, tuna, and trout are rich in these fatty acids to help prevent developing glaucoma (an eye condition that damages the optic nerve caused by increased pressure in the eye). Low levels of these fatty acids has also been linked to an eye condition called dry eyes which can be extremely irritating and uncomfortable if left untreated.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes and other orange coloured fruits and vegetables such as carrots and mangos are high in beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that helps with night vision and your eyes ability to adjust to darkness. Sweet potatoes specifically also contain a little bit of vitamin E to help keep your retina healthy. 

Eggs

Eggs are rich in zinc, which helps your body metabolize and use the lutein and zeaxanthin found in the egg yolk. These compounds help block out harmful blue light from damaging your retina. Nowadays, with the increased use of computer screens and cell-phones, it is extremely important to protect your eyes from blue light that can cause dry eye syndrome and lead to other eye diseases such as glaucoma. 

Sunflower Seeds And Nuts

One ounce of seeds and nuts contains half of the amount of vitamin E recommended for consumption in adults each day. Vitamin E plays a critical role in slowing down the progression of age-related macular degeneration while also preventing the development of cataracts. Hazelnuts, legumes, and peanut butter are great sources of vitamin E.

Protect Your Vision By Visiting Sunridge Eye Clinic Calgary

Having quality vision plays an integral role in our everyday lives. Without good vision, we can lose our ability to do the things we love such as being independent enough to drive, playing sports, reading, and more. One of the best ways to help keep your vision and eye health in check other than eating a balanced diet rich in certain vitamins is by visiting your optometrist regularly for a comprehensive eye exam. Visiting your optometrist regularly will allow your eye doctor to detect and diagnose potential vision and eye health problems before they become too difficult to treat. You will also be able to feel confident in knowing that your eye health and vision are in tip-top shape. 

To find out if you are at risk of a vision or eye health problem or to book an eye exam to check the quality of your vision, contact Sunridge Eye Clinic. Our experienced optometrists can assess your vision and develop a personal treatment plan to help you see clearly. Book a comprehensive or senior eye exam today by calling 1-403-280-7518 or book online.

FAQ

Q: At what age are adults at risk to start developing glaucoma?
A: Individuals 55+ are the most at risk of developing glaucoma. 

Q: How long is a comprehensive eye exam?
A: A comprehensive eye exam will last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the tests performed by your optometrist.

Q: Is there a cure for age-related macular degeneration?
A: Unfortunately there is no cure for age-related macular degeneration. However, there are treatments that can be performed by an optometrist to slow the progression of the disease.