Eating healthy is good for every part of your body, including your eyes. In fact, some foods can help prevent potential eyesight-related problems in the future.
Oily Fish
Oily fish include salmon, tuna, sardines, trout and mackerel. Your eye doctor recommends incorporating these fish into your diet because they are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect you from dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
If you can’t eat seafood, you can obtain a good supply of omega-3 acids through fish oil supplements, nuts like almonds and walnuts and flaxseed oil or other natural oils.
Vegetables
Carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin are found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, collard greens, and kale. These vitamin A-related plant pigments can lower your risk of developing eye diseases like AMD and cataracts. Others such as broccoli and Brussel sprouts are rich in vitamins C and E. These are antioxidants that shield your eye cells from free radicals that may otherwise attack healthy tissues around your retina.
Non-Meat Protein Food Items
Lean meat and poultry have zinc, which is essential for your eyesight because they carry vitamin A to your retina via the liver. If you don’t eat meat, your optometrist suggests eating foods like beans and legumes, which are low-fat, high-fiber foods that can enhance your nighttime vision. Eggs also promote healthy and functioning eyes due to their zinc and Vitamin A content.
Whole Grains
Foods such as quinoa, brown rice, whole oats and whole-wheat bread and pasta are complex carbohydrates. They contain Vitamin E, zinc and niacin to ensure better vision. They also have a low glycemic index to help reduce risks of age-related macular degeneration.
Eating healthy is not the only thing you should do to preserve your eyesight. Scheduling a visit with Nova Vision Center is also imperative to protect your vision further. Apart from conducting comprehensive eye examinations, we also provide vision correction services through prescriptions of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Call us at (703) 291-0080 to request an appointment. We serve residents of Alexandria and Arlington, VA.