Is there a link between diet and eye health?

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Although genetics can be a factor in eye health and vision problems, there is mounting evidence that eating nutrient-rich foods, including an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and Omega-3 fatty acids, is as good for your eyes as for the rest of your body.

At Lappen Eye Care, we couldn’t agree more.-

Eating for Eye Health
Scientific studies confirm the advantages of nutrient-rich foods that contain abundant healthy vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin A
The beta-carotene found in carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, bell peppers, pumpkins, and leafy vegetables, supplies Vitamin A. It protects the eye’s cornea and improves night vision.

Research confirms that Bugs Bunny had it right about those carrots!

Vitamin C
Vitamin C can reduce the progression of cataracts by one-third and may also help to impede Macular degeneration. Oranges, strawberries, kiwis, green veggies, and hot chili peppers are all high in this particular vitamin.

Additional sources include potatoes and tomatoes, broccoli and cauliflower, spinach, watermelon, and pineapple.

Anti-oxidants
It has been established that high levels of antioxidants like Vitamins C and E, zinc, and copper can be instrumental in preventing or fighting AMD or age-related Macular degeneration. Blueberries, raspberries, peanut butter, beans, chocolate, kale, red cabbage, and pecans are just some of the options.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Good not only for retina health but also for general well-being, foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids include salmon and other oily fish, flaxseed, soybeans, and walnuts. There is evidence that Omega-3s can help deter wet Macular degeneration and alleviate the stinging, itching, and burning sensations associated with dry eye.

Benefits of a Balanced Diet
The medical community, including our team at Lappen Eye Care, supports a healthy lifestyle based on a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, whole grains, dairy, eggs, and nuts.

Let’s discuss lasting eye health recommendations at your next appointment with a Pittsburgh eye doctor. We can also recommend nutritional supplements for specific needs.

The Worst Things You Can Do When Something is in Your Eye

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Everyone gets something in their eye once in a while, but what you do afterward makes all the difference. If you take the wrong steps, you can worsen the situation or even damage your eye. Your eye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA, wants you to know the worst things you can do when something is in your eye so you don’t make these mistakes.

Rubbing the Eye
Your instinct may be to rub your eye, but doing so can scratch your cornea. The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye. If the foreign object is abrasive, you’d be rubbing that material against your delicate cornea, and you don’t want to do that.

Using Tools to Extract the Object
The last thing you should do is use tweezers or other sharp objects to try to “grab” the object to remove it. This can damage your eye and possibly even cause vision loss.

Rinsing With Tap Water
Cupping water in your clean hand and rinsing the eye is a good idea, but only if you use distilled water. Tap water, drinking water, and even purified water could contain bacteria, microbes, and other things that could infect your eye. If you don’t have distilled water, you can use saline solution, which is commonly used for contact lenses.

Pulling at It
If the object is long and you can grab one end of it, you still don’t want to do that. Instead, head straight to your eye doctor’s office. Otherwise, you risk severely damaging your eye.

If you have something in your eye, you should contact your eye doctor for emergency eye services in Pittsburgh, PA. Contact us today for help or to get your questions answered.