If you recall your mother trying to bait you to eat more carrots when you were younger, you may wonder, does diet really affect my vision? Many factors can affect your vision including age, gender, lifestyle, environment and yes, diet. While many age related eye diseases such as cataracts or macular degeneration affect adults, good nutrition can help to offset or delay these changes.
Good nutrition and diet is always a reoccurring theme that factors towards a person’s general health. Diets high in saturated fats and sugar increase cholesterol and your risk of heart attack and stroke along with eye disease. Studies have shown that cataracts and macular degeneration appear less in those who include vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Foods That Help Eyesight
- Fish
- Dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale
- Eggs
- Whole grains
- Carrots, squash, corn, peas, broccoli
- Legumes
- Nuts
Eyesight And Diet
Healthy fats, specifically the omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, walnuts, flaxseed oil and canola oil can fight against dry eyes and cataracts. Including fish in your diet a couple of times a week can contribute to better eye health.
Including orange colored fruits containing high amounts of beta-carotene and Vitamin A will improve night vision. Some of these include peaches, mangos, oranges, tangerines and sweet potatoes.
To guard against UV light, lutein and zeaxanthin help protect the retina and can be found in leafy greens. Staying away from sodium can help avoid cataracts. Staying hydrated can also help reduce dry, irritated eyes.
By making a couple of small changes to your diet, healthy eyesight can be retained and many eye related diseases prevented. If you plan to include vitamins or supplements, check with your eye doctor first.
For a consultation and to schedule an appointment contact us today at (561) 798-0244.