It certainly should not be a surprise, but consuming a nutritious diet serves as one of the biggest eye protection strategies for everyone. Ensuring healthy vision is not on everyone’s mind as summer edges near the end, so we are all likely to splurge at last-minute barbecues and beach parties.However, eating the best nutrients throughout summer may ensure that your vision remains as healthy as possible. As August serves as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month, your Orange County Lasik surgeon recommends that you include your children with healthy eating habits early to keep their vision strong for life. Read on for the best summer food for healthy eyes.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Oranges, eggs and leafy greens are the major carriers of lutein and zeaxanthin. Together, they both act as antioxidants that help filter high-energy wavelengths of light that are known to exacerbate macular degeneration.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is a probiotic vitamin that our bodies convert into vitamin A to help boost the immune system and protect healthy cells. Carrots, pumpkin, spinach, cabbage, kale and sweet potatoes are the most popular sources of this antioxidant.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are phytonutrients found in plants that provide significant cardiovascular health protection to fight against macular degeneration and cataracts. The sources of this nutrient are found in berries, tree fruits, nuts, peppers, tomatoes and eggplants.
Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid, generally known as vitamin C, is one of the key ingredients to prevent formation of cataracts. Studies have shown that lack of ascorbic acid is connected to early development of cataracts and loss of visual acuity. Since vitamin C is sensitive to air, light and heat, people can get the most out of fruits and vegetables when eaten raw or lightly cooked.
Selenium
Selenium works closely with carotenoids and ascorbic acid in order to keep muscles in the eyes flexible and to defend against bacteria. Brazil nuts, tuna, mushrooms, lean pork and beef are among the favorites in this compound.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
In the eye health industry, Omega-3 fatty acids play a dominant role as an anti-inflammatory agent that keeps blood pressure under control. These are the good fats everyone can include in a healthy diet that can prevent issues, such as blurred vision, loss of visual acuity, advanced macular degeneration. Food products such as fish oil supplements, mackerel, trout, herring, sardines and salmon produce the Omega-3s our vision needs.
Recent studies show that a diet rich in Omega-3s protects blood vessels from damage and supports eye health in elderly adults. As published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Harvard Medical School researchers reported that when people include oily fish or Omega-3 fish oil supplements in a regular diet, they will support and protect blood vessels in the retina. This is critical for an individual’s eyes as damage to these blood vessels can affect healthy eyesight.
Count on Orange County Lasik
If you are looking for the best solutions to help preserve healthy, long-lasting vision, then schedule a consultation with the best Orange County lasik surgeon patients can trust. Contact Advanced Eye Medical Group and find out whether your diet is affecting your vision. Call us at (888) 439-6565 to schedule your consultation.