Protect Aging Eyes with a Healthy Diet

Food is the building block of our body and with a healthy diet we cannot only prevent many diseases, but also minimize some existing ones. People must find a diet that works for their metabolism and specific genetics. In general, following a healthy eating routine of leafy greens, colorful fruits, and whole grains may help prevent eyesight from impairments and cataract development. By making lifestyle changes, one may also delay vision problems from occurring. Of course some conditions occur due to genetics and specific environmental factors and may not be avoided. Doctors such as the ones at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center in Houston can help where prevention does not succeed.
As you grow older, regular vision examinations along with healthy eating habits become strongly recommended to maintain the overall well-being of your eyesight. Medical interventions like LASIK surgery can correct vision problems. Preventing it from the onset should be your first goal. You can follow these guidelines to improve your chance of strong eyesight over a lifetime.
1. Consume more whole grains and cereals
Age related eyesight problems can be triggered, if not aggravated, with some sugars and white flours in some individuals, but not all. The information presently found in studies is conflicted and not defined. In some individuals there exists a correlation on this site. Eating whole grains will increase your intake of fiber, which improves metabolism. It has been suggested by experts at premium medical institutes like Sugarland Eye & Laser Center in Houston that maintaining a healthy diet helps in healing and gives the best chance for good vision.
2. Body is about balance
The healthy fats omega-3 have the essential fatty acids that can help prevent dry eyes and may also help in reducing the risk of cataracts. Consuming fish or seafood two times in a week and flax oil every day will not only have a positive impact on your vision health, but also your overall health. Cook your food in canola oil and snack on walnuts. The body works on balance in its many chemical systems. Making sure it has what it needs to function efficiently and ensures it makes repairs as necessary. Fat is an important component in the body known as adipose tissue. The eye sits in adipose tissue offering a cushion against any physical blow from activity. 
3. Drink plenty of water
A healthy diet is incomplete unless accompanied by proper hydration. Make space for dairy products and 100% vegetable juices, herbal tea, water and skim milk as a source of calcium. You can prevent possible dry eyes by consuming lots of water and water-based fruits and vegetables. 
4. Avoid high sodium intake
Sodium in some individuals can be risky for eyesight as it may lead to the formation of a cataract. Recent studies show a correlation between salt intake and the formation of cataracts in some people. Check the labels for sodium content on salt packets before buying. It is unknown what level for each individual makes the difference, but the general recommendations should help.
5. Eating good proteins
Some proteins benefit the body more than others. If you have health issues then monitoring the type of protein you eat may help maintain your health. Saturated fats available in red meats and dairy products may make a person more vulnerable to macular degeneration. Choosing those things that are anti-inflammatory to the body helps most eye conditions overall. A good consensus from the experts has been to choose to eat lean meats, nuts, eggs, legumes and fish as healthy sources of protein. 
You may exercise every day and eat healthy food, but it has been proven by 5 year-long clinical studies called AREDS & AREDS 2 (Age Related Eye Disease Studies) that daily consumption of nutritional supplements can reduce the risk of cataracts and thwart the progression of AMD between adults aged 55 and 80 years. 
 
Sources: 
http://www.allaboutvision.com/over60/nutrition.htm
http://www.sugarlandeye.com/2013/04/good-nutrition-for-cataract-prevention/
http://www.yourhealthbase.com/database/a102c.htm
http://www.webrn-maculardegeneration.com/saturated-and-unsaturated-fats.html
 
 
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478 or visit us at www.houston-lasik.com. 
 
About the Author
Amjad Khokhar, M.D. is Chief LASIK Surgeon at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. Add Dr. Khokhar on Google+ here. 
 
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