Eating a diet filled with colorful foods can help keep your eyes healthy. Eating the gamut of fruits and vegetables will provide you with several nutrients you need for good eye health. Maintaining a balanced diet that is rich in certain vitamins can slow progression of macular degeneration and help prevent cataracts.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that damages part of the retina and can cause central vision loss. Cataracts can
also affect vision by clouding the lens of the eye with clumps of protein. Both conditions become more likely with age, but by consuming the following colorful foods and nutrients, you can help preserve your vision well into your golden years.

 

*Green = Lutein and Zeaxanthin*

Green leafy vegetables including kale, turnip greens and spinach, are rich in the Carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that make up a large percentage of the macula, the part of the retina that is affected by AMD. Importantly, these antioxidants are not produced by the body and therefore must be consumed as part of your diet or as dietary supplements.

In addition, some green vegetables such as Brussels sprouts contain a healthy amount of vitamin C and other antioxidants that can lower your risk for cataracts.

*Orange = Beta-Carotene and Antioxidants*

Orange foods contain beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiencies are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Carrots, squash, cantaloupes and sweet potatoes are great options for adding warm colors to your diet. Plenty of antioxidants can also be found in citrus fruits.

*Pink, White and Silver = Omega-3 and Vitamin D*

Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel can add more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, which may help symptoms associated with dry eye disease. Dry eye disease is a common cause of both blurred vision and discomfort in patients of all ages.

*Roy G. Biv = Zinc*

Legumes come in all colors of the rainbow and are chock-full of zinc, which can help your eyes from light damage. Beyond following a colorful diet make sure to schedule annual eye exams to screen for and prevent vision problems.

To schedule an exam call eyegotcha at 412.331.9696

 

Source: Connections Magazine, Spring 2018, Pg. 14
Photo: Pinterest https://goo.gl/c35N4X