Diet and supplements for eye health

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Macular degeneration and cataracts are most commonly found in old adults. Both of these two ocular diseases cause impaired vision or even blindness. Enough vision care should be given to them. Similar to other eye problems, macular degeneration and cataracts also call for regular eye examinations, which play an important role in detecting early signs and making a formal diagnosis. After that, eye doctors can in turn suggest appropriate treatments.

Several pieces of advice on maintaining good eye health

Except for taking regular eye exams, there are still many ways to maintain good eye health and avoid common eye problems and even diseases. For the eyes’ well being, eye care practitioners encourage modern people to have a healthy lifestyle, take proper UV protection and quit smoking and so on. Doing these can effectively reduce the risk of suffering sight-threatening problems.

The importance of a healthy diet

Another helpful method is to take eye beneficial nutrients, either from daily food consumption or nutritional supplements. A daily diet can significantly affect our health conditions including eyes, either negatively or positively. Certain eye diseases can be triggered by a diet that is high in saturated fat and sugar. In contrast, a healthy diet is greatly beneficial in preventing or slowing down certain eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Specific vision-beneficial nutrients

A balanced, vision-beneficial diet should include some helpful nutrients, e.g. vitamins, minerals, healthy proteins, omega-3 fatty acids and lutein. In detail, antioxidants including vitamins A, C and E can prevent the oxidation effect in the eye, preventing age-related eye diseases. Dark green or brightly colored fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and lutein can be found in leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, sweet corn, peas and broccoli. Carrots and squash contain plentiful vitamin A.

Whole grain and cereal are also recommended

A healthy diet also involves other factors. Old people should eat whole grain and cereal, which contain lots of fiber that is believed to slow down the digestion and absorption of sugar and starch. Impure bread and cereal containing sugar and refined white flour may increase the risk of developing age-related eye diseases.

Sources of healthy beverages and poega-3 fatty acids

Proper hydration from low-fat dairy products and healthy beverages such as 100% vegetable juices and fruit juices can lower the risk of dry eye irritation. Healthy fats intake is also important. Omega-3 fatty acids are effective in preventing macular degeneration and cataracts. Fish, flax, walnuts and canola oil are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Where to take healthy protein?

Protein sources are also worth your careful consideration. Lean meat, fish, nuts, legumes and eggs are superior to red meat and dairy products in getting zinc and lutein. Excessive sodium intake imposes a higher risk on eye health. Canned and packaged foods always contain much more sodium than fresh and frozen foods.

Some dietary supplements can be alternative

People sometimes can not get sufficient nutrients from a healthy diet alone. Good eye health can also benefit from dietary supplements in addition to a healthy diet. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study recommends a dietary supplement formula that contains vitamin C, A and E as well as zinc and copper, which is effective in preventing advanced macular degeneration. Other studies have shown that daily consumption of supplements containing multivitamins, B vitamin and omega-3 fatty acid brings down the risk of cataracts. These supplements are quite safe for most people.