One of the best things you can do at the start of a year is to take action toward maintaining your visual health. Taking care of your eyesight starts with eating right. In today’s post, your leading provider of high-quality eyeglasses and other eye-care services, Dr. Joel H. McGahen, OD, talks about some great foods rich in eye-friendly nutrients.
Berries and Citrus Fruits
Fruits from the berry family are powerhouses of antioxidants that help preserve your eyes’ structural integrity. Not only do blueberries, raspberries and strawberries make for excellent desserts, they also reduce your risk of developing various eye conditions. Meanwhile, oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C that help boost your immune system, preventing eye infections and other diseases.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Your trusted eye doctor recommends eating lots of leafy greens, including spinach, kale and collard greens. They are great sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that reduce free radicals in your eyes. Studies reveal that eating these vegetables regularly significantly lowers your risk of developing macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye problems.
Deep-Water Fish
Environmental factors, increasing age and hormonal changes are just some of the things that may predispose you to dry eye syndrome. While this problem is common, there are ways to prevent it. For one, prepare meals consisting of deep-water fish, such as tuna, salmon and mackerel. They are substantial in omega-3 essential DHA and EPA fatty acids that help maintain the oil consistency in your eyes, preventing your tears from quickly drying up.
Carrots
Your expert optometrist explains that carrots and other naturally yellow- or orange-tinged foods have high levels of beta-carotene. Once inside your body, this substance is converted into vitamin A, which is found in your eyes’ retina. Researchers believe that it acts as an antioxidant that helps preserve your retinal photoreceptors, particularly the rods. As a result, you maintain excellent vision even in low-lit places.
Get in touch with us today at (717) 609-4443 or complete our form to schedule an appointment and learn more about great foods for your eyes. We serve Chambersburg, PA and nearby communities.