There are many things that an optometrist would recommend you do to take good care of your eyes. Some of these things include wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the damaging rays of the sun, and also to ensure you keep up with comprehensive eye exams on a regular basis. When it comes to eye care, it's also important to keep your eyes as healthy as possible. One way of doing this is by eating the right foods.
Here are five foods that can help you maintain good eye health.
1. Green Leafy Vegetables
These types of vegetables contain something called cartenoids, which can help you maintain a healthy retina. This is important when trying to prevent eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Some examples of green leafy vegetables include:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Collards
- Cabbage
When mom told you to eat your spinach, she was doing your vision a favor.
2. Oily Fish
The Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in oily fish such as tuna and salmon have been known to reduce your chances of getting age-related macular degeneration by one-third. Eating oily fish can also be beneficial if you've already been diagnosed with this eye condition. Other oily fishes that are considered healthy for the eyes include mackerel and herring.
3. Eggs
No matter how you like your eggs, whether it's scrambled, hard-boiled, or poached, you and your eyes are in luck. Eggs contain two important antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein is also found in green leafy vegetables, but the body actually absorbs lutein better from eggs. Both of these antioxidants can help to protect the eyes from cataracts, and zeaxanthin can help to protect the eyes from the damaging UV rays of the sun.
4. Citrus Fruits
In order to function properly, the nerves in the retinas of your eyes need a healthy dose of vitamin C, which is why citrus fruits can help you maintain good eye health. Citrus fruits include:
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Limes
- Grapefruit
If you would rather eat other kinds of fruits but still want plenty of vitamin C, you can also eat kiwi, strawberries, and pineapple.
5. Oysters and Shellfish
These foods contain high amounts of zinc, which is crucial for maintaining good eye health. Without enough zinc, you can increase your chances of getting night vision. Getting plenty of zinc in your diet can also reduce your chances of getting cataracts.
Contact a vision clinic, like White Bear Eye Clinic & Optical, for more information.
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