Carrots aren’t the only food that will help improve your eyesight and promote healthy eyes. A study from JAMA Ophthalmology links diet to eye health, and recommends adding certain foods to your diet to prevent some eye conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.
March is Save Your Vision month. Here are 5 foods to add to your diet to promote eye health:
- Berries – All berries have been shown to contain antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins that help lower both blood pressure and reduce inflammation that may cause cataracts.
- Green leafy vegetables — Spinach, kale, and swiss chard, as well as turnip, mustard and collard greens are all high in lutein and zeaxanthin. Studies have shown that lutein and zeaxanthin reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Omega-3 fatty acids — Salmon, halibut and cod, as well as nuts like walnuts, all contain omega-3 fatty acids which may be essential for optimal visual development. Dry eye syndrome also has been linked to omega-3 deficiency.
- Orange foods – Orange bell peppers offer the best dietary source of zeaxanthin and vitamin C, which lowers the risk for cataracts and macular degeneration. Other orange foods, including gogi berries, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes and carrots, may have similar benefits. These orange-colored choices also are chock-full of vitamin A, which boosts night vision, and carotene which helps lower the risk of cataracts.
- Tea — Green tea, black tea and oolong tea are best for preventing cataracts. Teas may also help prevent macular degeneration by preventing the growth of new blood vessels in the back of the eye.
Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a full range of comprehensive medical, diagnostic, and surgical services from annual eye examinations to surgical procedures. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 or All City Eye Care Center at 718-380-5070.
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All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.