As we all recover from the Christmas over-indulgence we start thinking of taking better care of ourselves and there is no better way to see that plan through than looking after your ocular health.
Having a varied balanced diet has been proven to be one of the best ways to do this. Foods with high omega 3 and fatty acids help combat dry eye and maintain a stable tear film so walnuts, oily fish, chia seeds are some of the best ways to incorporate these much needed nutrients into the diet.
Macular degeneration, which causes a loss of central vision is one of the leading causes of sight loss and albeit linked to age another substantial factor leading to AMD is a poor diet. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are what you need to introduce into your diet. The typical green leafy vegetables, grapes, peppers, beetroots all contain Lutein and zeaxanthin. As a deviant from the fruit and veg a Double Dip sherbet treat contains these much needed carotenoids, as everyone needs an indulgence to maintain a balanced diet!
Glaucoma is another eye condition that is linked with poor dietary habits. It causes a loss of peripheral vision. Limiting your caffeine intake can help as too much caffeine can increase the IOP (Intraocular Pressure) which is the main cause of glaucoma. Dark green vegetables, vitamins C, D and E all help combat glaucoma developing and advancing. Citrus fruits, broccoli, courgettes, eggs, nuts, wholegrains and dairy products contain all of these vital vitamins.
Vitamin A is key in preventing night blindness and bilberries and blueberries are an abundant source. And with these dark days vitamin A is much needed to help with the night driving. Another source to help with the night driving is Zeiss’s Drive-safe lens which helps with those glaring, Xenon headlights.
By having a healthy diet the fine network of blood vessels at the back of the eyes are protected. These are the first vessels affected through Diabetes so foods with a low glycemic index such as sweet potatoes help regulate blood sugars and thus protect the bloods vessels of the retina.
Protecting from UV rays also helps guard from cataracts, AMD and glaucoma. All of our Zeiss lenses are fully UV protected.
A healthy diet and no smoking has long been drummed home that it will help keep all ailments at bay but having regular health checks will assist in this. So come on down to Gill Opticians in Dalkey where we can look after all your visual needs.
