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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – PINELLAS PARK, Fla., – We’ve all heard that “you are what you eat.” There are few instances where that is more relevant than in the case of your eyesight. And yet, a study finds that many people do not make a conscious connection between healthy eyesight and a balanced, nutritious diet.
The study, which surveyed consumers in the United Kingdom, was conducted by Transitions Optical, the leading global provider of photochromic eyeglass lenses. Results revealed that 43 percent of respondents were unaware that improper nutrition can cause damage to the eyes, and even contribute to conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
“Good nutrition and a proper, balanced diet are important in any aspect of personal health,” said Dr. Vincent Young, president of the American Association of Dispensing Ophthalmologists, a member of the Board of Trustees for the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, and member of the Healthy Sight Institute Steering Committee. “When I talk to my patients about diet, I stress the importance of balance. When recommending specific foods, leafy green vegetables, such as kale and collard greens are great components of a diet that promotes healthy sight.”
While most (93 percent) considered sight to be their most valuable sense and the one they feared losing the most, most respondents showed a lack of knowledge of foods that contribute to healthy eyesight. While many (73 percent) knew that carrots are good for the eyes, most responded that they were not sure if foods such as broccoli, spinach, salmon, blueberries, kiwi, nuts and mangos benefit eye health.
“Diabetes is a growing epidemic, so the times I have conversations about diet are mostly in connection with helping individuals manage diabetes. Diets that are low in sodium, rich in antioxidants and promote circulation are even more important for those patients,” said Dr. Young. “It is extremely important for these individuals to manage their diet properly, and in turn, manage diabetes to maintain healthy vision. It has been shown that excellent management of diabetes significantly reduces sight threatening complications.”
Foods that support healthy vision include:
· Fruits and vegetables — Fruits and vegetables contain vitamin A, C, and E and Beta-carotene. Yellow vegetables, such as carrots and squash, are important for daytime vision.
· Soy — Low in fat, rich in protein, soy has become a staple in vegetarian diets. Soy contains essential fatty acids, phytoestrogens, vitamin E and natural anti-inflammatory agents.
· Blueberries and grapes — These foods contain anthocyanins, which improve night vision.
· Wine — Wine, in moderation, is known to have a cardio-protective effect and has many important nutrients, which protect vision, heart and blood flow.
· Nuts and berries — These are nature’s most concentrated food sources. Grains, such as flaxseed, are high in the beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol and stabilize cell membranes.
While maintaining a healthy daily diet can help protect your eyes from the inside, it’s important that eyes are protected from the outside too – only seven percent of us are aware that extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause lasting damage to the eyes. While that damage is cumulative, it’s never too early or too late to start protecting the eyes.
Consider the following steps to protect and promote healthy sight for the entire family:
Schedule regular visits to your local eyecare professional
Before going outside for an extended period of time, check the UV index in your area
Wear sunscreen and UV protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat
If you wear prescription lenses, consider photochromics, like Transitions(R) lenses, that automatically block 100 percent of UV rays and help to reduce distracting glare
Drink eight to ten glasses of water daily to hydrate your body and your eyes
Maintain a balanced diet high in beta carotene and antioxidants
For more information about eye health and to locate an eyecare professional near you, visit www.Transitions.com.
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