If you think back to when you were a child, you can probably remember your parents chiding you to eat your carrots because they were good for your eyes. At Magruder Laser Vision, we know that it takes more than eating carrots to maintain healthy vision. Incorporating a healthy diet is one of the key components to keeping your body healthy and performing at its full potential. As with any preventive measure, there’s no 100% guarantee that by eating healthy you won’t develop issues with your eyes. However, Magruder Laser Vision, a center that offers laser eye treatment in Orlando, wants you to know that you can indeed help your eye health by eating a well-balanced diet containing food that your eyes will love.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
No longer just lauded for their benefit to heart and brain health, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help keep your eyes healthy. Cold-water fish contain great amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, and integrating at least two servings a week into your diet can help thwart dry eye, the risk of developing macular degeneration, and inflammation of the eye. Try adding tuna, salmon, or cod to your menu planning to keep your eyes in tip-top shape.
Eggs
Chock full of zeaxanthin and lutein, egg yolks are another important part of a well-balanced, healthy diet and work to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Don’t over-do the consumption of eggs, as they are high in cholesterol, but they are a great way to power up your day while protecting your eyes.
Dark Leafy Greens
Antioxidants that include lutein and zeaxanthin are found in abundance in dark leafy greens such as spinach, collards, and kale. In addition to reducing the risk of developing macular degeneration, they may also work to prohibit cataracts. Oh, and avocado and broccoli fall under this umbrella, so enjoy the guacamole!
Nuts
Nuts and seeds contain vitamin C and E that are important to maintaining healthy tissue throughout the body. Almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkins seeds, etc. are a great way to consume both of these vitamins. Strive to eat fresh (raw) nuts that have not been processed with lots of salt or artificial flavoring.
Carrots
We would have been remiss if we had excluded carrots from the list, but carrots are not the only orange colored vegetable to provide health benefits to your eyes. Consider adding sweet potatoes, orange peppers, and pumpkins to your diet as they are all rich in vitamin A, which works to combat dry eyes and is very often the key ingredient in eye drops.
You should also consider foods that are rich in zinc, which bolsters the immune system and will assist in keeping your eyes (and skin) healthy. Shrimp, beef, cashews, and spinach are a few of the foods containing the highest amounts of zinc.
At our center for laser eye treatment in Orlando, Dr. Brock Magruder is completely dedicated to helping you maintain healthy eyes and clear vision. Routine eye exams are as important as visiting your family doctor for your physical. If you are experiencing vision issues, pain, or discomfort in your eyes, do not delay seeking an evaluation with an eye doctor. Contact us online, or call us at 407-843-5665. Magruder Laser Vision: your eyes are our priority.
