Foods You Can Incorporate Into Your Diet For Healthier Eyes

Blog

Free radicals can be found just about anywhere and everywhere and can cause your cells to become weak. They are linked to a large majority of degenerative diseases. There is significant research that suggests these free radicals may cause enzymes and proteins in the eye lens to factor in the formation of cataracts. With more than 20 million individuals in America being diagnosed with a cataract in at least one of their eyes, it is important to know what you can do to reduce your chances of developing a cataract. Your best bet may be to upgrade your diet.

How Food May Help Keeping Your Eyes in Good Shape

Because it is free radicals that can cause damage to your eyes and result in various degenerative diseases, including cataracts, it is important to take preventative measures to help keep those free radicals at bay.

Luckily, it is easier than you may think to neutralize these free radicals. All it takes is changing your diet so that it consists of more antioxidants that are known to help prevent cataracts and promote proper eye health. Plus, a healthier diet with the right antioxidants can help to improve your overall eyesight while helping to reduce your risk of developing other eye diseases, including glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Below is a list of good food sources for several of the different antioxidants that have proven to be the most helpful in preventing cataracts and other eye-related diseases: 

Good Vitamin E Sources

  • Papaya
  • Dark leafy greens
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Almonds
  • Peanut butter

Good Beta-Carotene Sources

  • Sweet potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Turnips
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Pumpkin

Good Vitamin C Sources

  • Bell peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Citrus fruits
  • Tomato juice
  • Papaya

Good Selenium Sources

  • Sunflower seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Flax seeds
  • Seafood/fish
  • Brazil nuts
  • Mushrooms

Good Lutein and Zeazanthin Sources

  • Leafy greens
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Asparagus
  • Kale
  • Persimmons
  • Orange pepper
  • Tangerine

A diet that is healthy and rich in the eye-improving nutrients is a great foundation to maintaining the health of your eyes and eyesight. However, there is still a lot left that you need to do to ensure your eyes stay healthy, including the scheduling and conducting of eye exams on a regular basis.

If you have not had an eye exam recently, contact your optometrist as soon as possible to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Regular eye exams can help to catch eye diseases early on so that they can hopefully be treated and cured.  

Share

21 January 2015

pediatric eye exams - are they needed?

When was the last time that you took your kids in for an eye exam? Did you realize that your kids' school performance can be impacted by their ability to see clearly? Children are not great at communicating difficulties seeing the board or letting adults know when things begin to appear a little bit blurry. Did you know that there are eye problems that your child could have that can only be diagnosed through an exam at your optometrist's office? Learn all about pediatric eye care and what problems you could run into if you neglect to take your child in for regular eye exams.