Your risk of developing eyesight problems such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, increases with age. Fortunately, with proper nutrition, you can reduce the risk of these eye conditions and maintain good eyesight.
In today’s post, your eyeglasses specialists at Innovative Eyecare discuss four vitamins and micronutrients that help maintain clear vision.
1. Lutein and Zeaxanthin
These two carotenoids help block blue light rays from reaching the underlying structures in the retina, minimizing the risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Green and yellow leafy vegetables are the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. They can also be found in egg yolks, but if you have high cholesterol, it’s best to stick to vegetables like kale and spinach.
2. Vitamin A
Apart from improving bone growth and fortifying the immune system, vitamin A is also important to your visual health, helping protect the surface of the eye (cornea) and preventing infections. Eye drops with vitamin A formulation can be used to treat dry eye syndrome and a specific type of eye inflammation called superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis. Always consult your eye doctor before purchasing over-the-counter eye drops.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are three types of omega-3 acids. They are all essential to normal infant vision development. Research shows that infant girls whose mothers have DHA supplements from their fourth month of pregnancy until delivery were less likely to have below-average visual acuity at two months of age.
4. Vitamin D
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that infants, children and adolescents consume 400 international unit (IU) of this fat-soluble vitamin each day. Consuming food with vitamin D, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and milk, can help supply sufficient vitamin D to your body and to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
Entrust your vision care needs to Innovative Eyecare. Dr. Chris D. Teichmiller, one of your local eye doctors, can help diagnose and treat different eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome. Call us today (256) 270-0899 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. We serve residents of Decatur, AL.