A Healthy Lifestyle Can Reduce the Odds of Developing Eye Disease
Comprehensive eye exams are a critical component of practicing good eye health. Screening to identify signs of early-stage development of eye disease is as important as visual acuity, refraction and other types of testing in evaluating asymptomatic adults in comprehensive eye exams. Often forgotten or ignored, however, is that adopting a healthy lifestyle is a significant investment that aging adults can make to reduce the odds of developing eye disease. Reducing risk of developing ocular disease starts with adopting good nutrition by early adulthood.
Recommended Nutrient-Rich Foods
Compounds found in nutrient-rich foods that are good for ocular and overall body health include:
Antioxidants: An anti-oxidant-rich diet can slow the development of cataracts through blocking changes in fats and proteins that cloud the eye’s lens. Food rich in Vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids, lutein and zexanthin and selenium are rich in antioxidants, which slow cell death, known as oxidation that accelerates aging. Berries, nuts, spinach, sweet potatoes and broccoli are some foods loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids alleviate symptoms and reduce risks of developing chronic ocular conditions including dry eye disease, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. Diets full of these polyunsaturated fatty acids benefit ocular health and also slow aging through lowering inflammation and cortisol levels and boosting the body’s repair mechanisms. Examples of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include cold-water fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna), walnuts, seeds (flaxseed, chia seeds) and plant oils.
Carotenoids: Pumpkin, grapefruit, carrots, bell peppers, leafy greens, eggs, broccoli, tomatoes.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Leafy greens (kale, spinach and swiss chard), orange-yellow vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, colorful fruits (raspberries, papaya, peaches).
Selenium: Whole or multi-grain pasta and bread, oatmeal, brown rice.
Vitamin A, C, E: Avocados, bananas, oranges, sunflower seeds.
Zinc: Legumes (beans and lentils), seeds, seafood, dairy, eggs.
Additional Steps that Contribute to Ocular Health
Exercise: Regular exercise helps prevent obesity that leads to many serious chronic conditions, including eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, wet macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Quit Smoking and Moderate Alcohol Intake: Two behaviors that can be modified are smoking and drinking. Both are associated with a higher risk of developing chronic disease, including all serious eye diseases.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Eyes reveal how blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues system-wide are functioning. Routine eye exams are critical for ocular health and can also detect a range of neurological, cardiac, cancer and other conditions prior to the onset of symptoms.
Be Aware of Family History of Eye Disease: Family history, ethnicity and other health issues should be discussed with your physician to identify risk factors for developing serious eye diseases.
The key to practicing good eye health is taking the appropriate action. Developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a good step for better ocular health.
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Union Square Eye Care has offices conveniently located in Union Square and Harlem. These offices are easily accessible for patients throughout NYC and surrounding areas who are seeking top-notch ophthalmology and optometry services. We encourage you to consider Union Square Eye Care for all of your vision needs. With a legacy of excellence since 1986, our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced team are here to cater to all of your eye care needs. Don’t let vision problems go unchecked. Schedule your appointment today and ensure your eyes are in the best hands in New York City. Visit us online or call to learn more about how we can help you maintain optimal eye health.
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