20
Mar

Do you know how much lifestyle and nutrition play a role in your eye health? While certain eye diseases are genetic and unavoidable, there are things that you can do to maintain healthy eyes and reduce the risk of bigger issues in the future. For personalized recommendations, the best thing you can do is consult with an experienced optometrist for diagnostics and advice.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that can lead to vision loss over time. The risk of this condition increases with age, which is why it’s critical to take a proactive approach early in life.

The most common symptoms associated with AMD include blurry vision, decreased vision in low light, and image distortion.

There are actually two types of AMD:

• Dry AMD: This type is the most common, and it typically progresses slowly.
• Wet AMD: This type is less common, but it results in faster vision loss.

Nutrition and Protecting Your Vision

Your eyes are highly sensitive to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which are factors that can increase the risk of AMD and other conditions. So, it’s important to consider your diet and the way the foods you are eating can affect inflammation which can impact your eyes and other health factors as well.

Researchers have found that nutrition might play a role in AMD development. At this point, the research studies are relatively new, so additional studies needs to be done. But early indications show that your dietary choices could play a role in your eye health.

The Best Nutrients for Eye Health

Here are some of the nutrients you should be including in your diet to support eye health:

• Lutein & Zeaxanthin: These carotenoids are helpful for eye health because they protect the retina and filter blue light. Add leafy greens, corn, and eggs to your diet to get these nutrients.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids are important for reducing inflammation and improving eye cell function. Good sources of omega-3s include salmon (and other fatty fish) and walnuts.
• Vitamins C & E: Eating fresh fruits is a great way to protect your eyes and reduce oxidative stress because of powerful antioxidants such as C & E.
• Copper & Zinc: Your eyes also need certain minerals to maintain good vision and health. Make sure you are getting zinc and copper regularly to help with inflammation reduction and support your retina at the same time.
• Beta-Carotene: There is a long-standing recommendation to eat carrots for healthy eyes. The reason carrots are good for eye health is because they contain beta-carotene, which turns into Vitamin A. Other good sources of beta-carotene include sweet potatoes and peppers.

Talk to Our Experienced Eye Care Team

For more information about protecting your vision and eye health, contact us at Temecula Creek Optometry to book an appointment: (951) 302 -1331.