Maintaining eye health remains a significant way to have a good quality of life. As a person ages, attending to eye health becomes more important. Before considering a Houston LASIK surgery, a person should check into the foods, vitamins, and minerals consistently taken in over a period of time. Whatever may be lacking, finding a way to fill the gap with a food plan concentrating on upping or maintaining eye health should be done first. In any case, if laser eye surgery becomes the decision, then a person sets themselves up for a successful outcome by maximizing eye health and providing the necessary vitamins and minerals for healing from eye surgery.
Vitamins and Minerals for the Eye
Known as impact factors, vitamins and minerals influence the eyes’ health. A set of studies known as AREDS One (2001) and AREDS Two (2006) by the National Eye Institute discovered lutein and zeaxanthin formed protective layers in the back of the eye called macular pigment. Healthy doses of lutein and zeaxanthin increase visual sharpness, contrast sensitivity, and light sensitivity. Omega-3 DHA, in a 2016 study, was found to strengthen the retina and reduce inflammation. Lycopene consistently reduced oxidative stress in several studies. Anthocyanins in some studies helped screen-induced eye fatigue and improved dark adaptation. Flavonoid substances have anti-inflammatory properties that will enhance overall eye health. Macular carotenoids only come from foods and are not manufactured by the body. In general terms, vitamins A, C, and E provide extensive fuel or maintenance of overall eye health. Nutrition keeps the eyes healthy or reduces inflammation and the risk of some eye diseases. It remains well worth exploring foods and cooking methods that promote eye health.
Feast for the Eyes
Lycopene and lutein develop in red tomatoes, so adding red tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes to meals takes care of inflammation and oxidative stress factors. Darkly pigmented berries such as blueberries, bilberry, and black currants help reduce eye fatigue. Sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, and apricots take care of vitamin A needs. Vitamin C leads to various forms of tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, oranges, including juice. As a secondary source of vitamin C, strawberries, tomatoes, and red bell peppers can also fulfill daily dietary needs. Omega-3 fatty acids lie in trout, sardines, tuna, halibut, and salmon. Finding romaine lettuce, broccoli, peas, collards, kale, and spinach provides all-important lutein and zeaxanthin. If allowed to eat eggs, lutein and zeaxanthin also form within that food. A few studies have included zinc for the eyes, which is present in beans and red meat.
Recipes
A quick search on the Internet shows organizations devoted to eye care have taken up the call to ensure people know about recipes for the eyes. American Macular Degeneration Foundation provides 83 recipes for eye health. At the same time, as the fall and winter holidays approach, consider taking care of the family’s eye health with an approved and researched recipe by the Foundation.
Conclusion
When you visit for your eye exam at Houston Lasik, ask the good doctors about supplements and share a recipe or two that has worked for your family’s eye health. Find that index card and leave a recipe for someone else while you learn about your personal eye health and laser eye surgery.
Since 2005, Houston LASIK has been providing surgical vision correction technologies to patients from the Greater Houston Area and all over the world. The center specializes in multiple premium technologies including LASIK, EVO ICL (Intraocular Collamer Lens), ASA (Advanced Surface Ablation), and RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange). Houston LASIK & Eye is well known for using state-of-the-art technology and personalized care to help patients see their best. Patients receive customized surgical solutions from a team of highly experienced and award-winning ophthalmologists and optometrists. For more information, visit www.houston-lasik.com or call 281-240-0478.
Sources
- https://www.macular.org/living-and-thriving-with-amd/nutrition/recipes
- https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/fabulous-foods-your-eyes
- https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ss/slideshow-eyes-sight-foods
- https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/living-well/the-best-vitamins-for-your-eyes/
- https://go.gale.com/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T003&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&retrievalId=d737920b-b6c2-4add-aef3-f14a4270561f&hitCount=9&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm¤tPosition=8&docId=GALE%7CA592139706&docType=Article&sort=Relevance&contentSegment=ZGPP-MOD1&prodId=ITOF&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CA592139706&searchId=R2&userGroupName=txshrpub100085&inPS=true
- https://go.gale.com/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T003&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&retrievalId=bbab1a0e-9f31-40cd-88c4-4dadb68fa6b6&hitCount=5&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm¤tPosition=3&docId=GALE%7CA744352284&docType=Article&sort=Relevance&contentSegment=ZGPP-MOD1&prodId=ITOF&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CA744352284&searchId=R5&userGroupName=txshrpub100085&inPS=true