Diet and Eye Health
A poor diet consisting of highly processed foods with large amounts of salt and sugar can increase the risks of developing diabetes and many other health problems that could lead to blindness.
Fresh fruit and vegetables such as spinach and broccoli can help reduce the risk of developing eye disease. Fresh berries, nuts and grains are also a great choice in combating the effects of free radicals, which are linked to cancer and cardiovascular disease. High levels of antioxidants can significantly reduce the risk of eye related disease and its associated vision loss. Antioxidants also assist in the protection of your eyes from the damaging effects of oxidative stress, which aids in the formation of cataracts.
Vitamins A, C and E are essential in normal eye function and can reduce the onset of eye related disease. Carrots, potatoes and foods high in Vitamin A protect the retina and are responsible for clear night vision. A deficiency in zinc can lead to deterioration in the macula – which is the centre of the retina responsible for central vision. Foods such as oysters and fresh meats can protect the macula from disease including macular degeneration.
Eggs, oily fish and nuts are great sources of omega 3, which assist in proper eye function. Essential fatty acids protect the retina from weakening and can reduce the effects of dry eyes and other eye problems.
MACULAR DEGENERATION AND DIET
The MD Foundation has released an excellent cookbook to help you eat well. We recommend that you purchase ‘Eating for Eye Health’ for yourself or any family members or friends who are concerned about keeping their maculas in good working order.
At our Smart Vision Optometry practices in Sydney, we stock a range of supplements, which help reduce the rate of progression of age-related macular degeneration as well as contributing to overall health and wellness:
- Macutec – An Australian-made product formulated on scientific information gathered by the Age Related Eye Disease Study. These capsules contain antioxidants, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids, which defend against free radical damage in the macular region of the retina.
- Juice Plus+ – Whole food based nutrition, including juice powder concentrates from 25 different fruits, vegetables and grains and high bioavailability of anti-oxidants that encourages children to want to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.
- TheraTears Nutrition – A specially formulated dietary supplement that keeps your eyes healthy from the inside. It contains organically-grown flaxseed oil, mercury-free fish oil and vitamin E.