Eating For Eye Health

February 4, 2016

We have known for some time about the benefits of eating a healthy balanced diet for not only eye health, but general heath and wellbeing.

Research over the last 10 years has taught us that certain foods can have a protective effect on structures of the eye that are prone to diseases such as macular degeneration. Foods such as green leafy vegetables, brazil nuts and fatty fish are helpful in the long-term prevention of macular degeneration.

At Sydney Ophthalmic Specialists, we encourage our patients to eat a varied, healthy diet rich in Omega 3, Lutein and Zeaxanthin to help prevent macular degeneration. Good dietary sources of Omega 3 are oily fish such as salmon and sardines, and should be included in the diet 2-3 times per week. Lutein and Zeaxanthin can be found in dark green leafy vegetables such as silver beet, spinach and kale.

Interestingly, a new study released on the 14th January 2016 and published in the JAMA Ophthalmology has found a possible link between regular consumption of green leafy vegetables and the prevention of glaucoma.

The American study followed over 100,000 participants for 25 years, and compared the dietary intake of nitrates from green leafy vegetables for those participants who developed primary open angle glaucoma, and those who did not develop glaucoma. The authors concluded that higher dietary nitrate and green leafy vegetable intake was associated with a lower risk of developing primary open angle glaucoma.

So, go and enjoy that spinach smoothie for eye health!!