Tips for maintaining good eye health through a healthy diet and lifestyle habits

Good eye health is crucial for maintaining a good quality of life. Our eyes are responsible for enabling us to see the world around us, and we rely on them heavily to carry out daily tasks. However, many people neglect their eye health until they begin to experience vision problems. The good news is that there are several lifestyle habits and dietary choices that can help maintain good eye health. In this guide, we will discuss some tips for maintaining good eye health through a healthy diet and lifestyle habits.

Nutrition for Optimal Eye Health

Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for good eye health. Specifically, foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene and lutein, are beneficial for eye health. Examples of such foods include carrots, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, oranges, strawberries, and blueberries.

Eat according to the AREDS2 study

A major study called the Age Related Eye Disease Study 2 found that having the appropriate amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin in our retina is critical for reducing the risk of permanent vision loss due to Macular Degeneration.
Unfortunately western diets generally do not include enough from natural sources and supplementation may be recommended by our eye doctor.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) recommends consuming 10 mg (10,000 mcg) of lutein and 2 mg (2,000 mcg) of zeaxanthin per day to help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or concerns.

Here's a list of 20 foods with their lutein and zeaxanthin content (per 100 grams). Please note that the values are approximate and may vary depending on the source:

Kale - Lutein: 15,200 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 3,046 mcg
Spinach - Lutein: 11,300 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 898 mcg
Swiss Chard - Lutein: 10,700 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 300 mcg
Collard Greens - Lutein: 7,100 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 600 mcg
Turnip Greens - Lutein: 5,500 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 500 mcg
Dandelion Greens - Lutein: 5,000 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 500 mcg
Mustard Greens - Lutein: 4,400 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 400 mcg
Beet Greens - Lutein: 3,800 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 200 mcg
Cress - Lutein: 2,900 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 300 mcg
Broccoli - Lutein: 1,800 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 300 mcg
Green Peas - Lutein: 1,800 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 200 mcg
Romaine Lettuce - Lutein: 1,500 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 200 mcg
Brussels Sprouts - Lutein: 1,100 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 200 mcg
Zucchini - Lutein: 1,000 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 200 mcg
Green Beans - Lutein: 900 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 100 mcg
Papaya - Lutein: 700 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 150 mcg
Corn - Lutein: 600 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 200 mcg
Green Bell Peppers - Lutein: 640 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 100 mcg
Nectarines - Lutein: 500 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 200 mcg
Orange Bell Peppers - Lutein: 480 mcg, Zeaxanthin: 190 mcg

Remember that lutein and zeaxanthin are more easily absorbed by the body when consumed with healthy fats. Cooking these vegetables with a small amount of oil or serving them with avocado, nuts, or seeds can enhance the absorption of these carotenoids.

Consume omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and are essential for maintaining good eye health and reducing dry eye severity. These fatty acids are found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Alternatively, you can also take supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids.

Avoid consuming processed foods

Processed foods are typically high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and other additives that can negatively impact eye health. Instead, opt for nutrient-dense foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources.

Moderate caffeine and alcohol intake

Caffeine and alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to dry eyes. This can cause discomfort, itching, and even blurred vision. Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol to maintain good eye health.

Lifestyle habits for good eye health

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can help maintain good eye health. Physical activity improves blood circulation throughout the body, including the eyes, and can reduce the risk of eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Take frequent breaks

If you spend a lot of time staring at a computer screen or other electronic devices, it is important to take frequent breaks. This can help prevent eye strain, headaches, and dry eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule, which involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes and looking at an object 20 feet away.

Wear sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection is essential for eye protection from harmful UV rays. Exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of developing cataracts and other eye diseases. Make sure your sunglasses offer 100% UV protection and wear them whenever you are outside.

Get routine eye exams

Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good eye health. They can help detect eye diseases early on and prevent further damage. Adults should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years, and more frequently if they have a family history of eye diseases or other risk factors.

How can I find an eye doctor near me?

If you don’t already have a trusted optometrist or you live too far from our optometry clinic in Bellflower, you could start your online search by typing in phrases such as "eye doctor near me," "optometrist near me," or "eye specialist near me."

Common Questions about Eye Health

What are the 10 tips to healthy eyes?

Here are ten tips for maintaining healthy eyes:

Get regular eye exams: Regular eye exams can help detect eye problems early before they worsen.
Wear sunglasses: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
Take breaks when using digital devices: Follow the 20-20-20 rule, which means taking a break every 20 minutes and looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Eat a healthy diet: Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc, such as leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, and seafood.
Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Manage chronic health conditions: Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your eyesight, so manage them effectively.
Wear protective eyewear: Protect your eyes from injuries by wearing appropriate eyewear while playing sports, working with power tools, or doing any activity that could cause an eye injury.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes to prevent the spread of infections.
Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can cause eye strain, dry eyes, and other vision problems.
Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing your eyes can lead to infections and irritate the delicate tissues surrounding your eyes.

How do you keep your eyes healthy on a diet?

Eating a balanced and healthy diet can help maintain good eye health. Here are some nutrients that are essential for eye health:

Vitamins A, C, and E: These vitamins can help prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Foods that are rich in these vitamins include spinach, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, and almonds.
Lutein & Zeaxanthin: Especially for those aged 50 and over, eat a diet that contains the recommended amounts of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.
Zinc: Zinc helps the body absorb vitamin A and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Foods that are rich in zinc include oysters, beef, and poultry.
Omega-3 fatty acids: These essential fatty acids can help prevent dry eyes and macular degeneration. Foods that are rich in omega-3s include fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines.

What are 7 ways to take care of your eyes?

Here are seven ways to practice effective eye care:

Get regular eye exams: Regular eye exams can help detect eye problems early before they worsen.
Wear sunglasses: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
Take breaks when using digital devices: Follow the 20-20-20 rule, which means taking a break every 20 minutes and looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Eat a healthy diet: Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc, such as leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, and seafood.
Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Manage chronic health conditions: Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your eyesight, so manage them effectively.
Wear protective eyewear: Protect your eyes from injuries by wearing appropriate eyewear while playing sports, working with power tools, or doing any activity that could cause an eye injury.

What 3 things protect the eyes?

There are three main things that protect the eyes:

Tears: Tears help protect the eyes by lubricating them and washing away irritants like dust and dirt.
Eyelids: The eyelids protect the eyes by closing to keep out harmful elements like wind, dust, and debris.
Eyebrows: Eyebrows help protect the eyes from sweat and debris that may fall from the forehead.

What is the importance of eye health?

Eye health is essential because the eyes are vital for everyday activities like reading, driving, and seeing the world around us. Good eye health can also contribute to overall health and well-being.

Why should we protect your eyes?

We should protect our eyes to prevent eye injuries, maintain good eye health, and reduce the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Protecting our eyes can also improve our quality of life and reduce the risk of vision loss.

What can damage your eyes?

There are many things that can damage our eyes, including:

UV radiation: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems.
Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases.
Infections: Infections like conjunctivitis can damage the eyes and cause vision problems.
Eye injuries: Eye injuries from sports, accidents, or work-related activities can cause permanent vision loss.
Diabetes: Diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina and can lead to vision loss.

What is the most important part of the human eye?

The retina is considered the most important part of the human eye because it contains the photoreceptor cells that convert light into electrical signals that the brain interprets as visual images. The retina is responsible for our ability to see and is essential for good vision.

Protect Your Vision: Incorporate These Tips into Your Daily Routine for Healthy Eyes

Incorporating these eye care tips into your daily routine can help maintain good eye health and reduce the risk of eye diseases. Don't wait until you start experiencing vision problems to start taking care of your eyes. Take action now by making healthy dietary choices, engaging in regular physical activity, taking frequent breaks when using electronic devices, wearing sunglasses when outside, and scheduling regular eye exams. By doing so, you can ensure that your eyes remain healthy and functional for years to come. So, make a commitment to your eye health today and take the necessary steps to maintain clear vision and healthy eyes!

If you would like to schedule a comprehensive eye exam, please contact our eye care professionals at (562) 925-6591. Patients searching for advanced medical eye care visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of comprehensive eye care services for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.

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Testimonials

I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.

Claire A.

Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.

Jim K.

My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!

Teresa S.

The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.

Joe M.

I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.

Kayla W.

This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.

Very professional staff and pleasant.