1. A Healthy Diet May Actually Prevent Eye Disease
What you eat matters. In fact, some studies have even found a correlation between eating certain foods and preventing eye disease. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and foods with omega-3 fatty acids may all positively impact vision and eye health.
Vitamin C, found in several types of fruit, helps with cornea (the clear front part of the eye) and eye blood vessel health. Vitamin C may also reduce cataract risk. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can lead to vision loss.
Vegetables also play an important role in vision and eye health. Many leafy, green vegetables and brightly colored vegetables have been linked to the prevention of cataracts, macular degeneration and retinal damage.
Whole grains tend to be better for eye health when compared to refined carbohydrates. Switching to whole grains may slow the effects of macular degeneration.
Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce a person’s risk for dry eye and macular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in almost all fish as well as walnuts, chia seeds and soybeans.
A healthy diet may also include supplements. Supplements can ensure that a person is getting all of their essential nutrients.
2. Poor Diet and Nutrition Can Cause Vision and Eye Health Issues
Your diet should provide you with necessary nutrients. A poor diet that provides little to no nutrients can cause vision and health issues, including early onset of cataracts and macular degeneration.
3. Other Health Issues
Your diet impacts your health. A poor diet combined with other lifestyle choices can increase a person’s risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. These health issues can increase the risk of developing vision and eye health issues. Obesity has been linked with a number of eye issues including cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
Email Your Vision and Eye Health Questions
If you are experiencing vision and eye health issues, it may be time to talk to a qualified ophthalmologist. Send your questions to Bay Area ophthalmologist Mark Mandel, MD, via email or by calling 877-210-2020 ext. 3 today.