Good diet and vision – what’s the link?

It’s no secret that our eyes are one of the most important organs in our body, playing a crucial role in our day-to-day lives. However, it’s often overlooked that what we eat significantly impacts health. We’re delving into the world of eye-friendly foods, exploring the best options for keeping your vision in tip-top shape. So, whether it’s leafy greens, oily fish or colourful fruits, get ready to discover how our diet can be a great way to promote healthy eyes at home.

Diet and your eye health

Good eye health is vital for overall well-being, and incorporating the right foods into our diet can significantly benefit our eyesight. Research has shown that a diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce the risk of common age-related eye conditions, like cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. So what are the best foods for eye health? Fortunately, many fruits and vegetables contain specific vitamins and antioxidants that can work wonders for our eyes. By making simple dietary changes, we can give our eyes the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong.

What should you be eating?

If you want to keep your eyes healthy, you can add plenty of food to your diet. Let’s look at the different fruits, vegetables and proteins that will help boost your eye health.

Leafy greens like kale, spinach, cabbage and broccoli are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin that protect your eyes from harmful UV and blue light.
Fish like herring, salmon, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce dry eye symptoms and even lower your risk of developing certain eye diseases like AMD.
Don’t forget about poultry either – zinc in chicken and turkey helps transfer vitamin A to the retina to keep your eyes producing melanin.
Eggs are a great source of both lutein and zeaxanthin, and egg yolks are a fantastic source of vitamin D. They also help to increase the protective pigment in the macula, which is the part of your eye responsible for your central vision.
Walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. But, if you want to diversify your protein intake, try out some beans and pulses. These not only provide protein but also contain omega-3 and zinc.
Tofu is a fantastic source of amino acids that the body can’t produce itself, and it’s high in selenium, zinc, and omega-3. Soy, which tofu is made from also contains vitamin E which is important for maintaining good eye health.
Be sure to consume citrus fruits and berries, which are rich in vitamin C. Not only is vitamin C an antioxidant but it’s could help to lower the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of water. Keeping hydrated is just as important for optimal eye health as eating the right foods, preventing dehydration and dry eyes.

Support your vision with supplements

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s understandable how a healthy diet can sometimes take a backseat in our busy lives. However, it’s important to remember that a balanced diet will benefit our bodies overall, including our eyes. Unfortunately, with the on-the-go lifestyle many of us lead, we may not consume all of the essential vitamins and nutrients needed to keep our eyes healthy. This is where supplements can come in handy, as they can help provide us with the necessary nutrients that we may not be getting from our diets alone. When it comes to choosing the right supplements to meet your needs, it’s important to have a discussion with our optometrists. With a wide variety of options available, they can guide you towards the most suitable choices.

Take action

Looking after your eyes is crucial, and we, as your local Optikal practice, are always ready to help encourage you with friendly and experienced opticians in Greater London who are dedicated to providing you with the best possible eyecare and advice. So, if you’re interested in finding out more about our eye supplements and how they can complement your diet, visit us today at your local Optikal practice.