Healthy Eyes Begin With Healthy Foods

By Rose Susel Lucente, OD

Dunkirk Vision

. http://dunkirkvision.com/

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Healthy Eyes Begin With Healthy Foods

As long as there aren't any congenital conditions, genetic disease processes or trauma, healthy eyes begin with healthy foods and a healthy lifestyle. Since there are numerous ways in which our intake and activities affect our basic functioning and performance, it is best to address the most common factors.

Stay hydrated. Every cell, tissue and organ in our bodies needs water to function properly. Some dry eye patients have achieved relief in their symptoms by simply increasing their fluid intake.

Nutrients. When we lose water, we lose electrolytes; and one of those is potassium. Researchers have found that lower levels of potassium can negatively affect the tear film and is integral to the maintenance of the corneal epithelium. Foods rich in potassium include sweet potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, beans, yogurt, clams, carrots and prunes.

Vitamin B6 and folic acid are ultimately connected to the remodeling and repairing of tissue. The mucous membranes of the eye have high requirement for folic acid. Good sources of folate include green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, as well as brussel sprouts, asparagus and hazelnuts.

Antioxidants. Antioxidants have been shown to prevent or delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Sources of vitamin C include include oranges, red and green peppers, strawberries, kiwi, and brussel sprouts. Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. Good sources for beta-carotene include sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables and, of course, carrots.

Fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may help relieve dry eye symptoms. Increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet could reduce eye inflammation. Some researchers consider dry eye syndrome an inflammatory process. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are mackerel, sardines, salmon, walnuts and flaxseed oils.

Smoking. Smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and dry eye syndrome. Smoking can increase the affects of macular degeneration even in the non-smokers who live with a smoker.

Lifestyle. An active lifestyle has been shown to decrease the risk of disease processes such as diabetes and hypertension. Both conditions can cause a disease process of the retina, which is diagnosed as a retinopathy, an inflammation of the retina. This is a situation in which there is a breakdown of the blood vessels in the back of the eye and can cause blindness. Diabetic retinopathy remains to be one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S.

Not only do the foods we eat affect our functioning and quality of life, but our activities and habits have a major impact in our vision and eye health.