**SPONSORED CONTENT BY CLARKSVILLE EYE CLINIC**
Nutrition plays a large part in maintaining healthy eyes and vision. There are several issues and diseases that can occur to the eyes over time that worsen vision. Most of these problems can be slowed by practicing good nutrition. Ideally, nutrients are obtained through food such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, but you can also get them from the use of vitamins. Improper nutrition can increase chances of problems such as dry eyes, macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic eye changes. Once you lose vision from the issues, it is impossible to bring it back. It is important to get better habits as early as possible, especially in children, so that any additional loss can be slowed or prevented.
Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. It is also preventable with lifestyle and diet changes. Studies have shown that diet and exercise are better at lowering blood sugar than medication and in some cases can delay or even stop diabetes altogether. Foods that are good for slowing diabetic changes include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Diabetics should also cut out sugary, processed foods.
Macular degeneration is the deterioration of the part of the lining of the eye that is responsible for your best central vision. Proper sun protection can help prevent this disease. Smoking quadruples your chances of developing macular degeneration, so quitting can help prevent it. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and carotenoids (found in kale, carrots, and spinach) can also help decrease its occurrence or slow its progression. Cataracts are the clouding of vision due to increased sun exposure. This process can be slowed with proper nutrition, especially foods that are high in antioxidants. Leafy green vegetables, carrots, citrus, and melons provide some essential nutrients for decreasing these two diseases. Vitamin C, folic acid, selenium and zinc are all vital to decreasing macular degeneration and cataracts.
Many people suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). Nutrition and diet changes can help decrease symptoms of DES. DES is worsened by inflammation and inadequate tears. Foods with certain components can increase the quality of the tears and decrease the inflammation. Fish oil, black currents and flax seed are especially beneficial for these issues.
Vitamins A, D, C, E, Zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, folic acids, and lutein are some of the most important nutrients for the eyes. A diet that features these nutrients would include leafy greens such as spinach or kale, grapefruits, berries, Brussel sprouts, seeds and nuts, wheat germ, sweet potatoes, milk, whole grains, fish, beef, eggs, and legumes.
Consult a doctor before taking any new supplements, so that they don’t aggravate any health issues or interact negatively with medications.
By Tangee Davis O.D.
Clarksville Eye Clinic was selected best of Clarksville 2014. They are located at the Dover Crossing triangle on Ft Campbell Boulevard. Find them online at www.clarksvilleeyeclinic.com