Foods for Eye Health and Eyesight

The eyes are one of the most important organs of the human body, as they are the source of visual information. But most of us use computers, tablets and smartphones in the workplace. And often we spend even our leisure time in a virtual world.

Overworking your eyes in this manner can very badly affect your vision. To avoid serious eye problems, you should walk outside more often and saturate your body with protective vitamins and minerals. There is a list of products to help keep your eyes healthy.

Vegetables and Plants for Healthy Eyes

Carrot

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, as well as magnesium, phosphorus, iodine, iron, calcium, which improve vision and help new cells grow and develop. Vitamin A deficiency leads to gradual decrease in vision until it is lost completely (“night blindness”). The elements in the carrots are easily absorbed by the body, if the carrots are eaten raw (salad, juice) with the addition of vegetable oils.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain vitamins A, B, C, zinc, iron, selenium, manganese, which prevent the development of age-related vision loss, improve visual acuity and protect from free radicals due to their excellent antioxidant activity. Lutein helps keep your capillaries healthy and relieves eye strain. It is recommended that you consume two tablespoons of fresh, dried or frozen blueberries or blueberry jam each day.

Citrus

Citrus fruits help improve visual acuity, support healthy intraocular circulation, strengthen blood vessels and reduce the risk of developing many eye diseases. By eating one orange a day you consume about half the recommended daily intake of ascorbic acid.

Green vegetables

Fresh cilantro, parsley, dill, celery, spinach prevent the development of cataracts, help protect the retina from age-related сhanges, because these vegetables contain a high amount of antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin.

Corn

It contains gold which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The effect of the mineral is supported by B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, iron and calcium, which can also be found in this vegetable.

Nuts

Nut kernels are the source of all elements essential for the human body in a concentrated form. They contain a set of vitamins A, B, E, C, PP, proteins and carbohydrates. Zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids are also present in the nuts. These beneficial elements prevent retinal degeneration, so you should eat a few nuts each day to maintain good eyesight.

Honey, dark chocolate, pulses, olive oil are also very valuable foods to improve your vision.

Animal Products for Healthy Eyes

Eggs

There is a large amount of lutein in eggs, which protects the optic nerve and prevents the development of cataracts. It accumulates in the macula and protects the eyes from harmful effects of UV rays. Taking this element in combination with zinc help protect the retina from age-related damage and the eye`s natural lens from becoming сloudy. Eating them both boiled and raw is the best for your health.

Beef

It contains C, PP, B, A group vitamins and trace elements (calcium, zinc, potassium), that have a positive impact on vision and blood formation. Beef is rich in selenium, its deficiency causes cataracts. Boiled beef is much healthier than fried beef.

Fish

Fatty fish (salmon, herring, mackerel) are the source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are able to provide protection to our eyes. They increase nerve conduction velocity in the retina and are involved in the formation of lacrimal fluid. Protein improves the function of blood vessels and stimulates the eye muscles to work more efficiently. One serving of fish a week is enough to keep our eyes healthy. One may take two-three tablespoons of fish oil as a substitute for the fish.

Dairy products

They contain calcium and vitamins B2, D, which help us see colors more vividly and see better in the dark. They also protect the retina from ultraviolet radiation and prevent the development of cataracts.

The above mentioned products will help you keep your eyes healthy and improve your vision. But sometimes it`s just not enough. Many eye disorders need medical attention, so do not ignore your doctor`s advice. Okomedikas Clinic offers a wide range of services which correct poor vision. We provide a comprehensive eye examination and, if any eye problem is detected, our highly qualified doctors will select a very contemporary and advanced treatment of the eye disease.

Take care of yourself!