Nutritional food is a huge part of our everyday lives. Food is wonderful, it comes from all over the world and is embedded in history that forms who we are today.

We know how a good diet affects our bodies, we know those leafy greens are good for our hearts and apples are good for our digestion but did you know good nutrition also impacts your eye health?

Strong evidence has recently suggested that a good healthy diet significantly reduces your risk of developing eye diseases such as macular degeneration. Antioxidants, such as Lutein, play an important role in the heath of the retina; therefore, a diet rich in antioxidizing substances reduces the risk of developing this disease which is known to be the leading cause of blindness in the world.

Obesity is also a major contributing factor to sight loss. It’s estimated that 12 million people in the UK who are obese are twice as likely to lose their sight. A report published by the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) identified a direct link between obesity and some common eye conditions that are known to cause blindness such as:

• Retinal vessel occlusions
• Diabetic eye problem
• Eye conditions related to stroke

Having a diet with good nutrition is detrimental to your health, for example, dry eye syndrome is a common condition and research has down that omega 3 will have a positive effect on the symptoms of dry eye when taken in certain quantities

Maintaining a healthy well-balanced diet will not only help your eye health but your overall body health. Foods such as:

• Fruits such as blueberries and avocado
• Vegetables such as leafy greens, spinach, carrots and kale
• Oily fish such as tuna and salmon
• Proteins such as seeds, nuts, eggs and beans

If you would like more information or are worried about your eye health due to your nutrition, an eye test is the best place to start. Contact us to book an appointment and let us take care of you.

This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition.