What Can You Do to Protect Your Vision?

Although there are some aspects of health that we cannot control, two things you can do to protect your vision are 
1) Having a comprehensive eye exam every year (Call (818) 882-9300 before flex $$$ expire at the end of this month!)
2) Having consistent healthy eating habits!

Why is nutrition important for my eyes?

You might have heard that a diet low in sugar and fats, and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is helpful for your heart, but did you know that your eyes also benefit from these same foods? 
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Similarly to how some heart diseases result when its blood vessels become blocked or damaged, many eye diseases also involve the tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to your eyes. This is why keeping these arteries healthy is so important!

What foods should I incorporate into my diet?

Leafy green vegetables protect your central and detailed vision because they contain antioxidants that help the macula. Some examples include Kale and spinach, along with romaine lettuce, collards, turnip greens, broccoli and peas.

Orange-colored vegetables are a great source of Vitamin A, which is a nutrient that is essential to help your retina (back part of your eye) turn light rays into the images your brain can understand. Vitamin A is also important to prevent dry eye! Carrots and sweet potatoes are great sources of vitamin A, and fruits such as cantaloupe and apricots are great as well.

Fruits and veggies rich in Vitamin C are great because Vitamin C helps repair and grow new tissue cells when cells are damaged (by fried foods, tobacco smoke and the sun’s rays, for example.) Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruit and lemons. Lots of other foods offer vitamin C, including peaches, red bell peppers, tomatoes and strawberries. 

​These antioxidants can prevent or at least delay age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, according to the Age-Related Eye Diseases Study (AREDS).

Vitamin E is found in avocados, almonds and sunflower seeds.   Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids from cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, halibut and trout) can help prevent diseases and  dry eye symptoms.   Beans and zinc protect your retina from damage, and these are some great options: Black-eyed peas, kidney beans and lima beans, along with oysters, lean red meat, poultry and fortified cereals.

Eating healthy foods sometimes falls behind in our list of priorities, but it is important to remember why it is so important! Maintaining the health of your eyes and reducing risk of disease are only a few smart choices at the supermarket away!

If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms or haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam recently, call (818) 882-9300 or click this link to schedule an appointment with our experienced eye doctors!

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References: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/fabulous-foods-your-eyes