Did You Know that Eating Healthy is Good for Your Eyes?
When your mom told you that carrots are good for your eyes, she was giving you good advice. More than 10 million Americans have Age-Related Macular Degeneration. This eye disease is now one of the leading causes of blindness and vision loss for people 65 years or older in this county.
While there is no cure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, new studies show what you eat may help slow the progression or reduce the risk or having this debilitating disease.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology released a cookbook called “Feast Your Eyes on This“ on their Eye Care America website. This book recommends a diet rich in antioxidants. Some recommended foods include:
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin – found in leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, collard greens.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – choose fish, nuts, vegetable oils and leafy greens.
- Vitamin C – foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, green peppers and tomatoes.
- Vitamin E – safflower oil, nuts and seeds are a good source of vitamin E.
- Zinc – select lean cuts of red meat, shellfish, nuts, whole grains, milk and eggs.
- Beta Carotene – pick dark orange and yellow fruits and vegetables like carrots, mangos, sweet potatoes and peaches.
Courtesy of A Better Vision: Katzen Eye Group; Optometrists, Ophthalmologists and Opticians in Baltimore MD Serving the Area for over 50 years. For more information visit katzeneye.com or call 410.821. 9490 Towson/Lutherville or 410.727.8380 Mercy Medical Center.
