Our eyes are the window to the soul, which is why it’s important to keep them healthy! Eye health is a crucial component of our overall health and when eyes are struggling, the rest of your body and mind will too. Keeping eyes protected will maintain their function and prevent eye diseases from developing in the future. In addition to receiving regular eye exams and keeping eyes clean, maintaining a diet rich in healthy nutrients can protect your eyes from damage and the effects of ageing.
Blink Vision Care lists the four important nutrients your diet should include for healthy eyesight in the following article.
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is crucial to maintaining healthy eyes and photoreceptors, which are light-sensing cells in the eyes. With a lack of sufficient vitamin A, known as vitamin A deficiency, individuals can develop blindness at night, dry eyes and even complete blindness. Vitamin A nutrients are derived from rich sources including liver, egg yolks and other dairy products. In addition to these food sources, some fruit and vegetables contain vitamin A such as kale, spinach and carrots.
2. Omega 3-Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are found in high quantities in the retina, which is crucial to the eye’s overall optimal function. DHA deficiency in the retina can lead to eye health issues, including vision loss, especially in infants and children. Taking omega-3 supplements can benefit individuals with dry eyes by producing tear fluid to relieve the eyes and prevent vision problems.
3. Vitamin C
Out of all the organs in the body, the eyes require some of the highest quantities of antioxidants. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can actually prevent cataracts from developing in the eyes. You can increase Vitamin C concentration by consuming supplements or eating a vitamin-rich diet. Vitamin C can also protect the eye from damage and deficiency, which is why it’s important to eat fruits and vegetables high in the antioxidant including bell peppers, kale, guavas and citrus fruits.
Eyes contain high amounts of zinc. Zinc is a part of crucial enzymes, such as the superoxide dismutase, which is an antioxidant. Zinc also plays a role in the overall development of visual pigments inside the retina. If an individual has zinc deficiency, there is a higher chance they may develop night blindness. Many natural food sources contain excellent levels of zinc, including oysters, many types of meat, peanuts and even pumpkin seeds. Zinc takes vitamin A from the body’s liver and transfers it to the retina to produce melanin, which helps protect the eyes.
Blink Vision Care is a trusted eye clinic in Brampton committed to helping patients achieve their vision needs. Whether you need new eyeglasses, sunglasses or contact lenses, we carry a variety of the top brands for every eye product. Routine eye exams are also a crucial component of eye health. Book your eye exam with us today at https://blinkvisioncare.com/book-eye-exam/.