Good nutrition is very important for both your general and eye health. Good nutrition helps your body grow, repair and protect against infections, as well as function properly.Research suggests that antioxidants reduce your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. They help to maintain healthy cells and tissues in the eye. The main focus has been on the antioxidants vitamins A, C and E, which can have additional benefits as well; for example, vitamin A protects against blindness, and vitamin C may play a role in preventing or alleviating glaucoma.
These vitamins can be found in many different sources of fruit and vegetables such as:
They can also be found in nuts, seeds, dairy products, eggs and many more.
More recently it has been suggested that two types of antioxidants, known as ‘carotenoids’, called Lutein (pronounced Loo-teen) and Zeaxanthin (pronounced Zay-a-za-thin) may also help with eye health. Some studies have found that people who have a good diet rich in carotenoids, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, have a lower risk of developing AMD.
Lutein can be found in:
Zeaxanthin can be found in:
Omega 3 DHA & EPS, essential fatty acids appear to protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. It has also been linked to alleviating symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Omega 3 can be found in:
Zinc and Vitamin A – zinc found in lean meat brings vitamin A from your liver to your retina, where it is used to make the protective pigment melanin, which protects your retina. Found in:
In general, there is a growing body of evidence that eating a healthy balanced diet, with plenty of green, leafy vegetables, two servings of fish per week, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables. Bon appétit!
Dietary supplements are available to purchase if you think you are not meeting these nutritional needs.
All our Optometrists are well versed in nutritional therapy, not all Vitamins etc are suitable for everyone; please ask us before starting on nutrition therapy. If you have any questions please contact your local practice and see what we can do for you.
Always consult your Optom, GP or Pharmacist before starting supplements.
