Ever heard that healthy eating is good for your eyesight? Well, it’s true! Eating a balanced diet, with the right levels of vitamins, is great for your eyesight!
In this blog, we’ll delve into the impact of good nutrition and how it can help reduce the risk of common eye conditions and diseases.
The link between health and eyesight
Research has shown that a poor diet can increase the risk of common eye conditions, such as Dry Eye Syndrome, which can cause blurring of vision, redness, pain and discomfort.
Whilst a lack of Vitamin D has been linked with eye diseases, such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
The importance of a healthy diet
A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruit and vegetables is essential for keeping your eyes healthy.
Through eating a variety of nutrients in your meals, you will get the vital vitamins and antioxidants your eyes need to function their best.
Getting the right vitamins
Key vitamins and minerals have been proven to be essential for good vision. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin E and Vitamin C, are known to reduce certain eye conditions and have a positive effect on eye health.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found that Vitamins A, C and E, are the most effective vitamins for reducing the risk of macular degeneration. Finding Vitamin E, along with other nutrients, helped people who had moderate Age-Related Macular Degeneration. The nutrients reducing the risk of developing advanced AMD by 25% for those who already had evident early changes of macular degeneration.
The International Journal of Molecular Science has reported that a deficiency in Vitamin D, commonly found in oily fish as well as red meat, as well as created by our bodies when exposed to sunlight, is linked to eye conditions like AMD and Dry Eye Syndrome.
If your vitamin levels are low, medical professionals may recommend supplements, which can be taken to boost your overall eye health.
Regular exercise
While getting the right nutrients is vital, it’s not the only thing that can improve your eye health. Regular exercise can help keep your eyes healthy too. It helps manage conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which are known risk factors for various eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, AMD and glaucoma.
If you are concerned about your eye health, please book an appointment at your local branch for expert help and advice.