Eye Nutrition
Doctors have long agreed that eating a healthy diet can have tremendous benefits in delaying or preventing some eye diseases, specifically macular degeneration, glaucoma and dry eye syndrome. Along with diet, a solid exercise program is always recommended, with special emphasis on a good cardio workout.
A healthy diet, as outlined by the National Eye Institute, should consist of lots of green leafy vegetables, two servings of fish per week, plenty of fruit (yellow or orange) and some nuts (almonds or others.)
In terms of carbohydrates, most of us are aware that the refined white flour that pervades our diet (and that we love, along with our sweets) are actually harmful. What they cause is a dramatic increase of proinflammatory omega-6, which may ultimately be the etiology for the increased rate of chronic inflammatory disease in the United States, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is also widely known that Omega-3 fatty acids (cold water fish like salmon or trout, or supplemental tablets) have a counteractive effect on the bad omega-6 influences.
I have never been a proponent of taking excessive supplements (like one for heart health, one for prostate, etc.). I believe a good daily vitamin (with proper amounts of vitamin D, Zinc, Lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C and E, Bioflavonoid, selenium and the vitamin B complex) should be sufficient. My personal belief is that everyone over 40 should be taking 3-4 grams of omega 3 fatty acid supplements per day. The omega 3 supplement should contain a good balance of EPA and DHA omega-3’s and should be derived in such a way that eliminates mercury as a concern. A company such as PRN Omega health has numerous products that fit into a patient’s health profile.
In terms of dry eye syndrome, all of the above; diet, exercises and supplemental advice applies, with the additional encouragement to drink those eight 8 oz glasses of water we are supposed to drink per day. Kameen Eye Associates has had terrific success with many dry eye patients by simply adding an omega-3 supplement and increasing the patients’ water intake.
For more information, visit www.prnomegahealth.com.