Did you know what you eat not only affects your physical health, but also your eye health? According to Dr. James McDonnell, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Loyola University Health System, fresh fruits and vegetables can help keep your eyes healthy and protect you from certain conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
“Make a colorful plate, especially with greens, blues, and reds,” said McDonnell. “Certain foods have distinct benefits for the eyes in addition to overall health, including many of the trendy superfoods such as kale, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.
According to a study published in The Archives of Ophthalmology, a healthy diet could be one of the factors responsible for the decrease in macular degeneration amongst Americans over age 40.
Important Nutrients for Eye Health
- Astaxanthin
- Omega-3
- Anthocyanins
- Vitamin D
- Zeaxanthin
- Bioflavonoids
- Lutein
“It’s always best to get the nutrients we know help vision from foods,” says Elizabeth J. Johnson, PhD., a research scientist and associate professor at Tufts University in Boston. “Foods may contain many other nutrients we aren’t aware of that may help, too.”
While regularly eating foods rich in the above nutrients can help lead to good eye health, the best way to protect your vision and ensure your eyes stay healthy is with periodic eye exams. This is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that people between the ages of three and 39 have their eyes examined every couple of years. At the age of 40, everyone should have a baseline eye screening. Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams. Seniors – over the age of 65 – should have complete eye exams every one to two years.
Comprehensive Eye Exams from the Anne Arundel Eye Center
The Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. Led by board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, AAEC offers complete ophthalmic exams, as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Over the years, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. He can help you too.
“I treat my patients the way I want to be treated when I see a doctor.” – Dr. Boles
If you wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC), please contact Board Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or Click Here to fill out our contact form.
You can also follow AAEC on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.