PINELLAS PARK, Fla.—Only slightly more than half of U.K. consumers are aware that improper nutrition can cause damage to the eyes and even contribute to development of conditions such as cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a new study conducted by Transitions Optical. While 93 percent of respondents said sight was their most valuable sense and the one they feared losing the most, the majority showed a lack of knowledge of foods that could enhance good eyesight; carrots were the best-known (73 percent), but more than half of consumers were uncertain of the benefits of broccoli, spinach, salmon, blueberries, kiwi, nuts and mangoes to eye health.
“Good nutrition and a proper, balanced diet are important in any aspect of personal health,” said Vincent Young, M.D., president of the American Association of Dispensing Ophthalmologists and member of the Healthy Sight Institute Steering Committee. “When I talk to my patients about diet, I stress the importance of balance. When recommending specific foods, leafy green vegetables, such as kale and collard greens are great components of a diet that promotes healthy sight.”
Among the foods that support healthy vision are soy (vitamin E and natural anti-inflammatory agents), blueberries and grapes (anthocyanins to improve night vision), wine (protects vision and blood flow); and nuts and grains (omega-3 fatty acids for cell membrane health). In addition, Transitions Optical recommends consumers drink eight to ten glasses of water daily to hydrate the body and eyes, and maintain a balanced diet high in antioxidants and beta-carotene in particular.
