Ocular Nutrition Eye Health
Ocular nutrition and eye health is an imperative part of helping maintain our vision and eye health as we age. One can safely say that every part of the human eye needs ocular nutrition support and nutrition to improve eye health. Healthy vision and the human eye is related to the health of the individual parts of the eye the cornea, iris, macula, lens, optic nerve, pupil, retina and the vitreous humor. And ocular nutrition is one of the ways good vision can be supported.
As we age, many things can go wrong with our vision. Ultraviolet light from the sun can damage the lens and the cornea. Wind, dust, chlorine fumes, automobile fumes, freezing temperatures and physical injury are instances of threats to good vision. Vibration from driving and hitting potholes has a cumulative negative impact on eye health as well as long hours spent in front of a computer screen.
Based on information provided by the U.S. National Eye Institute, results of nutrition and eye health food studies have shown that consuming certain foods provides ocular nutrition. In other words, using food to improve eyesight and nutrition to improve eye health has been proven by studies.
Studies show that eating foods rich in carotenoids is connected with reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Foods rich in carotenoids are leafy green vegetables such as spinach, collard greens and kale. Macular eye nutrition becomes increasingly important as we age.
Another study on ocular nutrition has shown a reduced like hood of developing cataracts for persons with diets higher in lutein and zeaxanthin. Foods high in these two carotenoids are broccoli, collard greens, corn, green peas, kale, romaine lettuce, spinach, turnip greens and zucchini. Lutein is also found in egg yolks.
Persons with diets high in lutein and zeaxanthin were also less likely to need cataract surgery. In another study, persons ages 40-59 with macular eye nutrition diets high in lutein and zeaxanthin may experience reduced risk of developing adult macular degeneration. Eating blueberries has been associated with the reduction of eye fatigue. Blueberries are related to cranberries, and both also help the body resist urinary tract infections.
Apricots are rich in nutrients such as beta carotene and lycopene that help promote good vision. Beta carotene is transformed as needed by the body to vitamin A, an important antioxidant that resists oxidative stress damage to cells and tissues, including the eye lenses. Continued oxidative stress may result in the development of cataracts or damage the blood supply to the eyes and lead to macular deterioration. Fresh bilberries and bilberry jams would be sources of this ocular nutrition food.
Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, cod, haddock as well as sardines are rich in the healthy Omega 3 oils. For example, Eskimos have almost no incidence of open-angle glaucoma with their diet rich in Omega 3 cold-water fish. Omega 3 is also associated with numerous other health benefits relating to improving heart health, arthritis symptoms relief and lowering cholesterol. It is certainly one of the best foods for clear eyesight and eye health.