Eye nutrition
Medical practice has greatly advanced over the last few decades with an increased focus on preventive rather than curative medicine. The following food groups are especially beneficial to prolonged eye health.
Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables contain nutrients known as flavonoids and carotenoids which are essential for good macula health. The macula is a small area found in the back of the eye which is responsible for colour vision and producing detailed vision e.g. reading and recognising faces. Research has shown that increased intake of these nutrients can slow down progression of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Fish is the only source of fish oils that are a good source of omega-3-fatty acids. Omega-3-fatty acids are part of the essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot produce themselves and so need to be consumed from other sources. A diet rich in omega-3-fatty acids reduces the risk of eye problems and heart disease. Other sources include flaxseeds, avocado, walnuts, and soybeans. Try including fish in your diet at least once every week.
What you do is just as important as what you don’t do; smoking is one of the things you should not do for good eye health. Research has shown that smoking not only increases risk for certain eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy but makes them progress faster too.
You may consider taking nutrient supplements specially formulated for good eye health such as Ocuvite.