Eating well contributes to a healthier body, but did you know that a healthy diet can also have a positive impact on your eyes and vision? That’s right: the intake of different vitamins and nutrients found in certain foods supports healthier and happier eyes. In honour of Nutrition and Hydration week coming up in March, we’re excited to share some eye health tips. Read on to discover the link between a balanced diet and better vision.
The Importance Of Good Nutrition For Eye Health
When it comes to diet, the effect that eating well has on eye health is often overlooked. But a healthy diet can actually boost eye health. Like the heart, your eyes rely on tiny arteries to receive nutrients and oxygen. The healthier these arteries are, the healthier your eyes will be. Maintaining a diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients and low in fats can reduce the risk of developing eye disease and contribute to better vision.
Foods to Improve Eyesight
Vitamin A, C and E are all eye health vitamins that promote a healthy cornea, reduce the risk of cataracts, and keep eye cells healthy. They can be found in foods such as avocados, almonds, grapefruit, tomatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants that benefit the lens, macula, and retina. Not only do they protect the retina from harmful UV rays, they can also prevent the onset of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). You can find them in leafy vegetables, eggs, and pumpkin.
To help alleviate dry eye syndrome, we recommend increasing your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids. These can be found in oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, and salmon, as well as flaxseeds and walnuts. Omega-3 can also help reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Finally, zinc is a mineral that transports vitamin A to the eye to produce melanin which provides UV protection. It can be found in milk, lentils, quinoa, and chickpeas.
Take Care of Your Eyes
With Nutrition and Hydration Week around the corner, it’s the perfect time to think about your overall health. If it’s been a while since your last eye test, we invite you to book an appointment so that your eye health is the best it can be.