Vitamins and Supplements

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A healthy diet is an important part of your body’s overall health. In fact, each and every part of your body is affected by the vitamins and minerals you take in. One of the most important senses is that of sight, something that is not possible without proper nutritional supplementation.

Think of everything you do with your eyes. Without sight you likely wouldn’t be able to work, you’d miss seeing your family, driving, and enjoying the beauty of life. Good eyesight is a precious gift and one that should be maintained.

There’s a wide variety of vitamins and minerals you can take to help ensure your eyes are kept healthy. Nearly all of these vitamins and minerals are found in some of your favorite foods. Read on to learn how you can eat your way to healthier eyes!

Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene plays an important role in reducing the progression of macular degeneration when paired with Vitamins C and E, and zinc. The best sources for beta-carotene are carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and butternut squash.

Flavonoids

These help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. One of the best things about flavonoids is that they’re found in some of your favorite foods, like tea, red wine, citrus fruits, blueberries, and cherries.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

These also help to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts and are common in spinach, kale, turnip greens, collard greens, and squash.

Omega 3’s

Found in salmon, mackerel, and herring, as well as flaxseeds and walnuts, omega 3 fatty acids help prevent dry eyes and macular degeneration. If you don’t enjoy eating fish, you can always purchase an over the counter supplement that contains about 1,000 mg daily.

Selenium

Commonly found in shrimp, crab, salmon, halibut, brown rice, and brazil nuts, selenium works to reduce the risk of advanced AMD when it is combined with vitamin C and E.

Vitamin A

This vitamin is found is beef and chicken liver. If that doesn’t sound yummy don’t worry. You can also get it from eggs, butter, and milk. This powerful vitamin helps prevent dry eyes and night blindness.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is found in sweet peppers, kale, strawberries, broccoli, oranges, and cantaloupe. It helps reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Vitamin D

Many foods are fortified with vitamin D, however, this vitamin is also found in salmon, sardines, milk, and even fortified orange juice. Vitamin D helps to reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

Vitamin E

Found in almonds, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts, vitamin E works to reduce the risk of advanced AMD when combined with carotenoids and vitamin C.

Protecting your eyes from damage caused over time can be prevented by enjoying a healthy diet. And, as you can see, some of your favorite foods provide you with the nutrients needed to keep your eyes healthy for many years to come.

Dr. Trapeni is an experienced optometrist who is committed to providing his patients with exceptional eye care. Schedule an appointment with him to learn more about how you can prevent disease through the use of a proper diet, vitamins, and minerals.

Dr. Paul D. Trapeni JrAt The Optical Shoppe, we're dedicated to optometry excellence under the guidance of Dr. Paul D Trapeni. Serving the Smyrna community since 1989, Dr. Trapeni is a trusted member of the community, bringing general and specialized optometry care to individuals and families throughout the area.