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Nutrition

Nutrition plays an important role in ocular health. Although supplements cannot cure or treat most diseases, in the past several years there has been an increased awareness on their effectiveness for prevention.

Omega-3: Omega-3 fatty acids can prevent and alleviate symptoms of dry eye syndrome and can slow the progression of age-related eye disorders such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. Common sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, walnuts and flaxseed. DHA and EPA, which are sources of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, cannot be produced by the body and therefore must be obtained through diet or supplementation. DHA accounts for approximately 30% of the total fatty acids found within the eye.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two carotenoids. A carotenoid is a naturally occurring pigment responsible for the colors found in vegetables and fruits. Carotenoids engage in antioxidant activity. That is one of the reasons that medical practitioners recommend that you eat as many varied fruits and vegetables as possible. When lutein and zeaxanthin are ingested from a healthy diet, these nutrients will accumulate in the eyes to filter out harmful ultraviolet blue light. Studies have found that when individuals age 55-80 ate a diet rich in these carotenoids they were more likely to have healthy vision than people who did not.

Remember that a supplement should not replace good nutrition. It is important for your health that you maintain a varied and nutritious diet. Obtaining the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables can be challenging. If you are a typical American, studies show that you are substantially lacking in the vitamin load that a wholesome diet rich in fruits and vegetables can provide. That is why our office sells and recommends Juice Plus. Juice Plus provides whole food based nutrition from a variety of fruits and vegetables. It contains phytonutrients, antioxidants, and fiber. These nutrients work together in combination to provide you more of the nutritional benefits of eating healthful whole foods. We also sell and recommend ProDHA Eye. ProDHA Eye contains appropriate levels of omega-3, lutein and zeaxanthin.

Eye Health Evaluations, like regular physical exams, are beginning to turn the corner and focus more on disease prevention. Your nutrition plays a critical role in this. Please ask us if you desire references for recent studies or those currently underway.

 

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