Good eye health is crucial for maintaining a good quality of life. Our eyes are responsible for enabling us to see the world around us, and we rely on them heavily to carry out daily tasks. However, many people neglect their eye health until they begin to experience vision problems. The good news is that there are several lifestyle habits and dietary choices that can help maintain good eye health. In this guide, we will discuss some tips for maintaining good eye health through a healthy diet and lifestyle habits.
Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for good eye health. Specifically, foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene and lutein, are beneficial for eye health. Examples of such foods include carrots, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, oranges, strawberries, and blueberries.
A major study called the Age Related Eye Disease Study 2 found that having the appropriate amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin in our retina is critical for reducing the risk of permanent vision loss due to Macular Degeneration.
Unfortunately western diets generally do not include enough from natural sources and supplementation may be recommended by our eye doctor.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) recommends consuming 10 mg (10,000 mcg) of lutein and 2 mg (2,000 mcg) of zeaxanthin per day to help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or concerns.
Here's a list of 20 foods with their lutein and zeaxanthin content (per 100 grams). Please note that the values are approximate and may vary depending on the source:
Remember that lutein and zeaxanthin are more easily absorbed by the body when consumed with healthy fats. Cooking these vegetables with a small amount of oil or serving them with avocado, nuts, or seeds can enhance the absorption of these carotenoids.
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and are essential for maintaining good eye health and reducing dry eye severity. These fatty acids are found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Alternatively, you can also take supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids.
Processed foods are typically high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and other additives that can negatively impact eye health. Instead, opt for nutrient-dense foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources.
Caffeine and alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to dry eyes. This can cause discomfort, itching, and even blurred vision. Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol to maintain good eye health.
Regular exercise can help maintain good eye health. Physical activity improves blood circulation throughout the body, including the eyes, and can reduce the risk of eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
If you spend a lot of time staring at a computer screen or other electronic devices, it is important to take frequent breaks. This can help prevent eye strain, headaches, and dry eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule, which involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes and looking at an object 20 feet away.
Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection is essential for eye protection from harmful UV rays. Exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of developing cataracts and other eye diseases. Make sure your sunglasses offer 100% UV protection and wear them whenever you are outside.
Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good eye health. They can help detect eye diseases early on and prevent further damage. Adults should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years, and more frequently if they have a family history of eye diseases or other risk factors.
If you don’t already have a trusted optometrist or you live too far from our optometry clinic in New York, you could start your online search by typing in phrases such as "eye doctor near me," "optometrist near me," or "eye specialist near me."
Here are ten tips for maintaining healthy eyes:
Eating a balanced and healthy diet can help maintain good eye health. Here are some nutrients that are essential for eye health:
Here are seven ways to practice effective eye care:
There are three main things that protect the eyes:
Eye health is essential because the eyes are vital for everyday activities like reading, driving, and seeing the world around us. Good eye health can also contribute to overall health and well-being.
We should protect our eyes to prevent eye injuries, maintain good eye health, and reduce the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Protecting our eyes can also improve our quality of life and reduce the risk of vision loss.
There are many things that can damage our eyes, including:
The retina is considered the most important part of the human eye because it contains the photoreceptor cells that convert light into electrical signals that the brain interprets as visual images. The retina is responsible for our ability to see and is essential for good vision.
Incorporating these eye care tips into your daily routine can help maintain good eye health and reduce the risk of eye diseases. Don't wait until you start experiencing vision problems to start taking care of your eyes. Take action now by making healthy dietary choices, engaging in regular physical activity, taking frequent breaks when using electronic devices, wearing sunglasses when outside, and scheduling regular eye exams. By doing so, you can ensure that your eyes remain healthy and functional for years to come. So, make a commitment to your eye health today and take the necessary steps to maintain clear vision and healthy eyes!
If you would like to schedule a comprehensive eye exam, please contact our eye care professionals at (212) 752-6930. Patients searching for advanced medical eye care visit our clinic from all over New York, and we are proud to be a leading provider of comprehensive eye care services for patients from New York, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
At Amplify with Dr Wernick I was seeking help for seemingly intractable, probably age-related dryness. I've seen other doctors about it, and that has been helpful, but what he explained to me about it and the careful way he answered all my questions gave me so much more of a clear understanding of what is going on (and is not) that I am more able to implement all his and others' recommendations than I was before. And he gave me additional resources for further follow-up. I am most grateful.
Wow! This is a great Eye Care medical facility. I was thoroughly examined by Dr. Pinkhasov for over 2 hours. She made sure to check my eyes for pretty much everything and patiently explained proper care for my eyes. They definitely know how to provide great care and treat their patients right. Now I know why they have such a great reputation and been around for so long.
Dr. Kavner is a gifted diagnostician and orthoptic therapist. He treated me several decades ago for a condition similar to dyslexia. I was having migraines five times per week. I worked with him for about a year and I experienced tremendous improvement (down to 3-4 per year) that has lasted.
Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!
Dr. Kavner recommended two types of eye therapy for my daughter. One of them using bio-feedback. In just three sessions she is seeing considerably better. She shouted this morning: Ooh my God! I could not see these letters with my glasses on, and now I can see them without my glasses. If you are willing and able to invest in improving your vision, this is a good place to go to!
I have always found Dr Kavner's work, expertise and wisdom of the highest caliber. As one of the fathers of OT, occupational othomology, his depth and breadth of knowledge about the eyes' health and wellbeing of the patient is exemplary. Cannot say enough good things about him.
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision problems people experience. In this blog post, we'll discuss the causes and symptoms of myopia and how optometrists can help correct this common vision issue. What is Myopia? Myopia is a vision condition in which the eyes focus too close, making distant objects […]
As an optometrist at Amplify EyeCare Manhattan in New York, one of the most common questions Dr. Nathaniel Wernick often encounters is: "Are carrots good for your eyes?" To put it simply, yes, carrots are indeed beneficial for your eyes. Carrots are known to improve eyesight, and this is largely due to the wealth of […]
Is foggy vision troubling you? Let our experienced optometrist restore your sight – book an appointment today and see the difference! The term foggy vision often refers to a visual disturbance characterized by blurred, cloudy, or hazy vision, which can make seeing clearly challenging. As your local optometrist, we recognize the significance of maintaining optimal […]
Tuesday - Thursday
9:30am–5pm
Friday
9:30am–3pm
Saturday
9:30am–2pm
Sunday
Closed
