Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an essential part of your eye care plan. Various food groups contain eye-friendly nutrients that help keep your eyes in great shape. Antioxidants, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin found in dark, leafy greens, help promote healthy eyes and can reduce your risk of developing certain eye conditions.
In today’s post, your expert optometrist from Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care talks about the various visual benefits of antioxidants.
They Lower Your Risk of Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an age-related condition that occurs when your macula, the retina’s focal point, begins to deteriorate. As the condition progresses, you may develop central vision irregularities, like having difficulty seeing objects that are directly in front of you.
We will perform a comprehensive eye exam to inspect your retina and macula for any changes. While there’s no definite cure yet for macular degeneration, you can do a few things to slow its progression. For one, eat spinach, kale and other dark green, leafy vegetables regularly. They are rich sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, which help maintain your eyes’ structural integrity.
They Help Prevent Cataract Formation
Your eyes’ lenses are naturally clear to allow unobstructed light entry. Cataracts form when protein fragments start to deposit on the surface of your lenses. This may prevent light rays from passing through your eyes, resulting in cloudy vision. Eating foods rich in antioxidants can help fight free radicals, which hasten cataract formation.
They Protect Your Eyes From the Harmful Effects of Blue Light
Apart from wearing computer eyeglasses, including leafy greens in your daily intake can also protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light. They contain high levels of antioxidants that help block blue rays, preventing them from reaching your retina.
For more information about the role of antioxidants in maintaining your visual health, call us at (301) 859-4060. You may also complete our form to request an appointment. We serve areas near Rockville, MD, and Alexandria, VA.
