Four Nutrients To Include In Your Diet For Optimal Eye Health
Eyesight is one of the most complex senses and requires a few nutrients to function optimally and stay in top condition. We may not realize the role nutrients play in eye health, but they certainly have a significant influence over eye function and preventing conditions that could negatively affect your eyes.
Introducing these nutrients into your diet is beneficial for your entire general health, but it’s important to understand just how much they do for your vision. Check out how below.
1. Vitamin A
Did you know that one of the most common causes of blindness is vitamin A deficiency? Vitamin A is crucial to healthy vision because it keeps the cornea clear, which covers the outside of the eye. When this nutrient is not consumed enough, it can lead to night blindness, dry eyes, or more serious eye conditions based on the severity and deficiency of the nutrient. Vitamin A is found in sources such as liver, egg yolks, and other dairy products and helps the eye’s photoreceptors function properly.
2. Vitamin E
Oxidative stress has been found to be the cause of several eye conditions. This condition is an imbalance of antioxidants and electrons which lose their power, known as free radicals. Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant that guards cells, including eye cells from the free radicals, which can damage the vision. A diet rich in this nutrient can help to prevent cataracts. To maintain optimal eye health, ensure you have nuts, seeds, cooking oils, salmon, or green vegetables in your diet.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids in EPA and DHA are crucial for optimal eye health. DHA is found in high quantities in the retina, where it helps to keep eye function working properly. It’s also important for the brain and normal eye development newborn stage and a lack of DHA can impair a child’s vision. Omega-3 fatty acids can also play a significant role in preventing other eye diseases from developing later on. The most effective source of EPA and DHA is in fish, but can also be found in microalgae supplements.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another potent antioxidant that can protect the eyes from free radicals. Vitamin C can be found in supplements AREDS and when taken daily, they may be able to reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration eye condition. Vitamin C is a necessary component to form collagen, which is the protein that provides structure to the cornea and sclera. Including Vitamin C supplements in your diet can even reduce your risk of developing cataracts by as much as 45%, according to a PubMed study.
Blink Vision Care is committed to providing clients with exceptional care for their eye health to ensure their vision is always optimal. Our eye clinic in Brampton is proud to carry high-quality, top brands for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Stop by our store to check out our selection or send us a message!