See in the New Year

It's that time of year again when we pledge a resolution to change our diet and maintain a more active lifestyle in the pursuit of a fitter and healthier self, but surprisingly most of us fail to extend this new healthy regime to taking care of our vision. Fitness is important for our eyes to ensure they remain healthy for the longest time possible.

Just like the rest of our body, our eyes require certain vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy.

Various studies and clinical trials have found that the antioxidant vitamins contained in some fruit and vegetables can help to maintain healthy eyes. Some research suggests that antioxidants and other nutrients may reduce your risk of cataracts and glaucoma.

An essential part of eye care is eating foods that contain the right vitamins to help maintain healthy eyes. A healthy, balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables is a valuable lifestyle choice and is very important to your overall health, as well as the health of your eyes.

A Guide to Eye Nutrition

Vitamin A and zinc

Can help to prevent night blindness and maintain a healthy, clear cornea. A deficiency of vitamin A can lead to glaucoma, dry eye, and other degeneration.

Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Butternut Squash, Wheat and Nuts

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that function as an antioxidents in the lens and retina. They increase pigment density in the macula and filter out high-energy blue light which helps protect your retina, and lowers your risk of macular degeneration.

Spinach, Kale and Collared Greens

Vitamin C and Biofalvonoids

Can help prevent cataracts and delay macular degeneration as well as helping to prevent and alleviate glaucoma.

Bell peppers (red or green), Broccoli, Strawberries, Oranges, Grapes and Cantaloupe

Vitamin E and Selenium

Studies have shown vitamin E may help prevent cataracts, as well as contribute to preventing macular degeneration.

Sunflower Seeds, Almonds and Hazelnuts

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are important for visual development in infants. In adults, deficiencies can lead to impaired vision, and increase risk of damage to the retina.

Flaxseed

Most of us take our eyes for granted, never thinking of them as muscles or organs needing special nutrients when in fact fit eyes not only need exercise, they need the proper eye-protecting nutrients.

Fitness for our eyes is good insurance for a lifetime of good vision.