OPTOMETRY ARBOUR LAKE OPTOMETRY CALGARY
Has your optometrist told you that you need to start visiting your Calgary NW eye care centre more frequently? If so, and you happen to be over the age of 39, it may have to do with the fact that aging commonly increases the possibility of developing eye problems. However, a diet rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals can help stave off a whole host of potential complications.
Here are five eye-health-enhancing foods to include in your diet.
1. Leafy greens
Kale, spinach, arugula, Swiss chard and other leaf vegetables are chock full of essential vitamins and minerals that are great for your eye health. In addition to being loaded with vitamins C and E, they also comprise the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants play a role in protecting your retinas and lenses from ultraviolet rays. Studies also indicate that they help inhibit age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the formation of cataracts. Night vision is also positively impacted.
2. Eggs
Eggs are great for your eye health. Like leafy greens, they contain lutein and zeaxanthin (helpful in protecting against AMD and other age-related eye issues), but in addition, they also have zinc. This mineral is essential to the health and functioning of your retinas.
3. Fatty fish
Omega-3 fatty acids are another dietary requirement for good eye health (particularly of the retinas) and there’s no better place to find them than in fatty fish. Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and trout are all excellent sources. Vegetarians and vegans can find plant-based omega-3s in ground-up hemp seeds and flax seeds. In addition to protecting eyes against AMD and glaucoma, omega-3s can help prevent dry eye.
4. Raw red peppers
When it comes to getting vitamin C, many people assume that oranges and other citrus fruits are the best sources. However, raw red peppers (heat breaks down vitamin C, so cooked varieties aren’t as loaded) have more of this vitamin per calorie than any other fruit or vegetable. Getting sufficient vitamin C will lower your risk of getting cataracts and protect the blood vessels in your eyes. Guavas, strawberries, kiwis, and oranges are also good sources.
5. Orange fruits and vegetables
Your mother was right: eating carrots is good for your eyes. Beta carotene, a type of vitamin A, is beneficial to your corneas, and thus aids in protecting your night vision. It also plays a role in preventing AMD and other age-related eye issues. Beta carotene is found in sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, mangos, apricots, and a number of other types of orange-hued produce.
In addition to a healthy diet, regular visits to your optometry clinic are a must in order to protect your eye health. In Arbour Lake, and Calgary NW in general, we’re available to assess your vision and overall ocular health. Contact us today to make an appointment with an eye doctor or optometrist at Crowfoot Vision Centre.