Nutrition Changes to Make to Support the Health of Your Vision

You hear a lot about eating for the good of your body, but eating well can be valuable to your visual health just the same. Here are a few nutrition changes to consider making to support your visual health.

Make sure you are getting in omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are really good for your body, but these fatty acids are also thought to lower your risks of macular degeneration and a handful of other eye health concerns as you age. There are a number of good sources of omega-3 fatty acids including:

• Fatty fish like salmon or tuna
• Flaxseed, walnuts, and even chia seeds
• Canola oil or soybean oil

If you are not getting a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, taking fish oil supplements or general plant-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplements can help.

Fill your plate with colorful fruits and veggies.

The phrase “eat the rainbow” is something to really keep in mind when it comes to visual health. When you fill your plate, opt for colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables. So many of these foods contain the nutrients your eyes need to properly function. For example, carrots are high in vitamin A, green leafy kale or broccoli delivers lutein, and red berries are high in vitamin C, all of which are good for your eyes. Taking a multivitamin can be a good way to get in all these nutrients as well, especially if you are a bit particular about fruits and vegetables. In addition, look for healthy cereals, juices, and other foods that are fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Get in enough water to stay well-hydrated.

Staying well-hydrated by drinking the recommended six to eight glasses of water every day is vital for your vision. Your eyes rely on water for a number of important things, such as:

• Staying hydrated to keep the eye comfortable
• Eliminating bacteria through tear production
• Washing away dust particles through tear production

If your body is dehydrated because of a lack of water intake, you may be more prone to problems with dry eyes, eye infections, and even irritated eyes that seem to burn and itch.

Work with a Coldwater, MS Eye Doctor to Create a Comprehensive Vision Health Plan

Being proactive about your visual health can mean everything to your vision over the years. Work with us at the Coldwater Vision Center for help keeping your visual health in check.