Eating For Better Vision

Why do I do what I do?  There’s a good question to ask oneself.   Hopefully, it’s to bring joy or happiness to one’s life.  Or, because one is passionate about the process or outcome.

Why I do what I do…why I practice optometry…is because I’m passionate about preserving vision, or useful sight, of my patients.  I want to help my patients continue to live independent, healthy lives.   One way I do this is by educating my patients, family, friends and team members about eating for better vision.  It’s always a good idea to eat healthy and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but eating certain foods more than others will definitely boost your vision.  Did you know that specific antioxidants and minerals have been proven to severely lower the risk of getting both macular degeneration and cataracts as well as improve your eye sight with both diseases?  With information like that, it seems like a no-brainer that eating healthy is the way to go.

Foods rich in antioxidants, like Vitamin C and E, are citrus, berries, avocados and nuts.  Salmon, tuna and sardines are great foods for the ever-important omega 3 essential fatty acids. Lutein and Zeaxanthin are macular carotenoids and are found in dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and collard greens and even egg yolks.  Broccoli, bell peppers, brussel sprouts, carrots, squash, red/black grapes, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and, yes, even dark chocolate protect and support the retinal tissue to help preserve vision!

To preserve vision is why I do what I do!  Eating for better vision is a great way to preserve it!

Dr. Lynette