Eating healthy foods is an important component of maintaining your visual health. Foods rich in eye-friendly nutrients, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, play major roles in supporting your visual health and comfort.
Read on as your trusted eye doctor from EyeSite of The Villages explains how these antioxidants protect your eyesight:
They Lower Your Risk of Developing Cataracts
Your eyes’ lenses are naturally transparent, allowing maximum light entry. As you age, however, the rate of protein breakdown in your eyes may increase, resulting in protein fragments accumulating on the surface of your lenses. These protein deposits are called cataracts, and they block light rays from entering your eyes, causing cloudy vision. Cataracts are common among older individuals and eating antioxidant-rich foods like kale and spinach can help prevent the condition as you age.
They Help Prevent Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration occurs when your macula, your retina’s focal structure, deteriorates as you age. Apart from undergoing an eye exam routinely, eating dark, leafy greens is another great way to prevent macular degeneration. These foods contain high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, which help promote healthy tissues in your eyes.
They Block the Harmful Effects of Blue Light
The sun, fluorescent lights and digital devices emit blue light. Studies have shown that overexposure to this kind of radiation may increase your risk of developing various eye conditions. One common problem you may have heard of is digital eye strain, the visual discomfort many people feel after spending too much time on their computer or smart phone.
Using computer eyeglasses and blue screen filters may help reduce the amount of blue light that enters your eyes. Adding kale, spinach and lettuce to your diet is also a good idea. Leafy greens have potent antioxidative properties that help block blue rays, keeping your eyes in great condition.
For more information about how antioxidants preserve your visual health, call us today at (352) 504-4560. We see patients from Lady Lake, FL, and the surrounding communities.
