Food is incredibly diverse. Some foods contain vitamins and nutrients that can help the body, whereas others are full of unhealthy fats. To maintain a healthy body, keeping your diet varied but full of those vitamin- and nutrient-dense foods is essential. Read on to learn why a healthy diet is important for maintaining your eye health and vision.
What Is in Food?
Food is constructed from vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, sugars, and oils, and some of these work better with the various parts of the eye than others. For example, high-fat foods can increase eye problems, while foods containing eye-enhancing nutrients such as antioxidants, phytochemicals, and omega-3s help the eyes.
The Studies
The relationship between diet and eye health is not hearsay. A lot of studies have connected specific vitamins and mineral intake with certain eye conditions. For example, a 2015 study found that higher vitamin E intake was associated with a decreased risk of age-related cataracts (ARC). Similar studies have concluded that nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids are critical to eye health, preventing proliferative retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness. On the other hand, studies indicate that high-fat diets significantly affect ocular tissue, impairing vision and retinal functionality.
Which Foods Should I Consume?
Nuts and legumes are great additions to any diet, as they’re rich in omega-3s, vitamin E, and protein. Seeds contain those same nutrients as well, and citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges are excellent sources of vitamin C. Leafy greens such as collard greens, spinach, and kale will also make terrific additions to your diet, as they’re high in lutein and zeaxanthin.
Your diet plays a significant role in your eye health and vision, which is why eating healthily is so important. In addition to following a good diet, you should also check in regularly with your eye doctor. At Automated Ophthalmics, we supply disposable tonometer tips and other medical equipment to ophthalmologists to keep your eyes healthy as can be!