Can Poor Nutrition Affect Eyesight?

Your diet plays a significant role in determining how healthy your eyes are. Eating a well-balanced nutritious diet helps to stay healthy. It also prevents the development of eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Importance of Eating a Well-balanced Diet

Medical experts never cease to emphasize how essential it is to eat a well-balanced diet. Your body benefits from a healthy supply of the appropriate amount of nutrients and vitamins. The experts advise watching the number of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars you ingest in your meals.

Research shows that eating a poor diet can lead to heart disease, cancer, and obesity. It also damages the nervous system and the health of your eyes.

Nutrients and Vitamins That Affect Eye Health

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your eyes from damage brought by harmful radicals. Vitamin C helps lower your risk of cataracts. It is also an antioxidant that slows vision loss and age-related macular degeneration. Zeaxanthin and lutein reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Zinc produces melanin by transporting vitamin A from your liver to your retina. As a result, the melanin protects your eyes. Essential fatty acids help optimize the function of your central nervous system and fuel your cells. For example, omega-3 fatty acids maintain retinal and proper eye function. It also plays a significant role in the development of your vision.

Best Foods for Your Vision and Eye Health

Below are foods that promote eye health and vision:

• Leafy greens - Consuming leafy greens such as kale and spinach support your eye health. They contain high levels of zeaxanthin and lutein.
• Seeds - Improve your eye health by eating fruits rich in vitamin E and omega-3, such as chia and hemp seeds.
• Broccoli - They are an excellent source of zeaxanthin, vitamin C, and lutein.
• Citrus fruits - Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons contain vitamin C necessary for your eye health.
• Beef - Meats such as pork and chicken contain zinc necessary for your health. However, beef contains higher amounts of it to maintain your eye health. You can also get zinc from beans, nuts, and yogurts.
• Eggs - You can support your eye health by consuming eggs as they contain lutein, omega-3s, and vitamin E.
• Legumes and nuts - Consuming lentils, walnuts, brazil nuts, and cashew nuts gives you vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids for your eye health.
• Fish - They are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish such as herring, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and trout are a great source of DHA and EDA.

Diets That Heighten Vision Problem Risks

• High sodium.
• Refined carbohydrates.
• Dehydration.

Consult Your Eye Doctor

It is ideal to consult your optometrist before any dietary changes to improve your eye health and vision. You may need to learn about the specific foods you need to supplement and others available.

It is also ideal to consult your doctor before removing anything from your diet. Doing so is essential, especially if you have a medical condition like diabetes or any nutritional dependency. Your eye specialist can help you create a suitable diet plan to increase your chances of avoiding eye health problems.

For more about nutrition and eyesight, call Davie Family Eye Care at (754) 238-5360 to reach our office in Davie, Florida.