Eye Health

Beyond Carrots – Nutrition for Healthy Eyes

Ophthalmologists, researchers, and registered dieticians have long agreed that eating a healthy diet can possibly help to stave off some eye disease. Eye protecting nutrients may play a role in reducing the effects of macular degeneration, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome.

Carrots are full of eye healthy nutrients

Here is a list of necessary nutrients for healthy eyes:

• Vitamin A: cod liver oil, liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin: spinach, kale, collard greens.
• Vitamin C: sweet peppers (red or green), kale, strawberries, broccoli, oranges, cantaloupe.
• Bioflavonoids: citrus fruits, cherries, grapes, plums.
• Vitamin E: sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts.
• Selenium: brazil nuts, yeast, seafood.
• Zinc: oysters, hamburgers, wheat, nuts.
• Fatty acids: cold-water fish (salmon, mackerel, trout).

In general, you should eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables, two servings of fish per week, some nuts and some yellow or orange fruits and vegetables.

In addition, simple carbohydrates, such as refined white flour and sweets, may actually increase your risk of macular degeneration. Consuming “bad carbs” causes blood sugar to spike, which in turn causes inflammation in the body and can negatively affect the eyes, according to a research study in 2007.

The National Eye Institute conducted a major clinical trial called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). This study focused on people that had age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and how antioxidants and zinc might help reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD. The study concluded that the AREDS formulation of high levels of antioxidants and zinc reduced the risk of developing advanced AMD by 25 percent. With any medication or supplement, it is best to consult a doctor to see if it is
right for you.

Safety Tips for your Eyes

Eye Health

• The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends adults get a baseline eye disease screening at the age of 40 and have a comprehensive eye exam every two years. If you are over 60, or at risk for eye disease, such as those with a family history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, you should have an eye exam every year.

Protection

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation. Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. UV radiation can cause damage to the surface of the eye and the cornea.
• Ninety percent of ocular injuries are preventable. Always use eye protection on the job, working around the house or playing sports.

Contact Lens Safety

• To prevent dangerous eye infections and corneal ulcers, contact lens wearers must be diligent in the use and care of their lenses.
• Do not top off or reuse lens cleaning solution.
• Use a contact lens solution to clean and rinse the case, and then air dry contact lens cases after each use.
• Do not expose contact lenses or lens storage cases to any type of water or other non-sterile solutions.
• Always wash hands prior to handling contact lenses.

To learn more about your eye health or to schedule an appointment online, please contact us today or call (913) 871-1166.