The Spectator

Eyesight is arguably our most important and valued sense, yet most of us take it for granted and aren’t doing all we can to ensure we have full use of it for as long as possible. Diet is one of the easiest things we can change to give ourselves the best chance of clear vision for longer.

Here are 5 simple things you can do :

Eat leafy greens – Studies show the antioxidants in foods such as spinach and kale can prevent/delay damage to cells at the back of the eye and slow down the progression of macula degeneration and also cataracts. Your macula is the part of the eye you use for your central vision, so it’s pretty important!

Increase Omega 3 intake – Whether you’re getting this from eating oily fish or taking a supplement, Omega 3 has been proven to help eye conditions such as dry eye, macula degeneration and cataracts.

Dodge diabetes – If you are unlucky enough to have type 1 diabetes from birth, you will know how important your diet is to keep the disease at bay and prevent eye related complications. But, if you develop type 2 diabetes later in life, if uncontrolled, this can also have damaging effects to the vessels at the back of our eyes and cause serious visual complications. For this reason, maintain a healthy body weight and keep your sugar/blood glucose levels within normal limits and steer clear of diabetes and diabetic eye disease.

Prevent atherosclerosis – Atherosclerosis is the thinning/narrowing of the arteries and among other problems, this can cause rental vessels occlusions (blockages in the vessels supplying the retina) which can cause vision loss. Avoid this by maintaining a healthy weight, healthy diet, limiting your intake of saturated fats and alcohol.

Vitamins – Supplements are available containing beneficial vitamins and antioxidants to aid eye health. ICAPS contain lutein and zeaxanthin (antioxidants) and omega 3.

Find more tips at:

http://www.rnib.org.uk/eye-health-looking-after-your-eyes/nutrition-and-eye

http://tedmaser.com/eyehealthfoods/

(Always consult your doctor before taking supplements or drastically changing your diet)