Keep Your Eyes Sharp this May for Vision Health Month

Did you know that nearly 14 million Americans are considered visually impaired? May is Vision Health Month, the perfect time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

Taking the necessary steps to maintain your eye health through early detection and proper nutrition are great ways to not only spread awareness but also manage your symptoms. There are some lifestyle modifications that you can make to keep your eyes healthy!

Food for Eye Health

Eating certain foods can help to reduce the risk of cataracts and eye disease. Below are foods that encourage preventative eye care.

• Fatty Fish: Fatty fish contain Omega 3 fatty acids such as DHA, which are recommended for dry eyes and help to restore the structural support of the eye’s membranes. Examples of fatty fish with DHA include sardines, mackerel, tuna, and salmon.

• Vegetables: Making vegetables a part of your meals is extremely important. Eating green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are filled with carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids protect the eye from the sun and from blue light.

• Fruits: Fruits are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene.  These nutrients are specifically important for daytime vision and can be found in squash, sweet potato, and cantaloupe.

• Eggs: Eggs contain components that protect the lens of the eye. These components are cysteine, sulfur, lecithin, amino acids, and lutein.

• Soy: Soy and soy products contain essential fatty acids, phytoestrogens, vitamin E, and other natural anti-inflammatory agents to help protect the eye.

Keeping Your Eyes Sharp

Eye health is an important part of your overall health and should be monitored regularly. Eye disorders such as glaucoma and cataracts are becoming increasingly common, which is why scheduling regular ophthalmologist appointments is key.

• Get a comprehensive eye exam: The ophthalmologist uses a special kind of magnifying glass during this eye exam to examine the back of your eye to check for damage or potential problems. This is a great way for early detection.

• Know your family history: Eye disorders such as glaucoma are known to run in families. Knowing your family history can help you detect your level of risk early on.

• Eye protection: Wear eye protection regularly, including safety goggles and sunglasses. Serious injury to your eyes may lead to eye disorders.

Regular doctor visits and eating a healthy well-rounded diet are important to keep your eyes as healthy as possible. If you have any concerns regarding your eye healthy don’t hesitate to reach out to a ophthalmologist.

Like this post? Share it!