While many people believe that genetics is the most crucial factor in determining your current and future eye health, your diet also plays a significant role. At Campus Eye Center, we understand you want to manage your overall eye health, not just your prescription.

Campus Eye is not your typical vision center. Our expert eye doctors in Lancaster provide various eye care services, like eye-disease treatment, surgery, and routine eye exams. We have board-certified ophthalmologists and opticians at our eye centers. We also offer pediatric and neuro-ophthalmic services so that no matter your age or reason for visiting, you will be seen by a trusted professional.

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How Is Diet an Important Factor for Maintaining Good Eyesight?

Researchers from the American Optometric Association have found that taking particular vitamins and consuming nutrient-rich foods can prevent eye issues like cataracts and macular degeneration. Vitamins A, C, and E, fatty acids, lutein, and zinc are the most useful to take care of your eyes.

Lutein

Lutein is found in dark leafy vegetables, can reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, and lowers your risk for developing cataracts. You can also get lutein from vegetables and fruit like broccoli, corn, peas, and tangerines.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A deficiency is one of the leading causes of blindness. It is essential for photoreceptors, and a lack of proper intake can cause night blindness and dry eyes, among other symptoms. Eating foods rich in beta-carotene—such as spinach, kale, other leafy greens, and dairy products like eggs—will significantly improve Vitamin A levels.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by consuming fruits like grapefruit, oranges, strawberries, green peppers, and tomatoes. Vitamin E is essential to protect your eyes from free radicals that can wear down your eye’s healthy tissue. Vegetable oils, sweet potatoes, nuts, and wheat contain Vitamin E.

Zinc

Zinc plays a vital role in producing melanin, which forms a protective pigment for your eyes. Zinc deficiency has been linked to health issues such as poor night vision and cloudy cataracts. Zinc can naturally be found in red meat, shellfish, nuts, and seeds.

Fatty Acids

Seafood can be a great source of nutrients for overall eye health, as salmon and tuna are rich in fatty acids. They help your body produce tears and reduce inflammation.

Can Poor Nutrition Cause Vision Problems?

While nutrient-rich foods have known benefits for your vision, other foods can negatively impact your eye health. Many foods are considered unhealthy, but people do not realize their far-reaching impact on your eye and overall health.

Diet soda: According to a 2018 study, people who consumed more than four cans of diet soda per week had a significantly higher risk of developing proliferative diabetic retinopathy (a progressive retinal disease).
High sodium: Diets high in sodium lead to an increased risk of cataracts.
Refined carbohydrates: Foods with a high glycemic index, such as highly processed wheat and grains, put individuals at risk of age-related muscular degeneration (AMD). Some examples of refined carbs include white bread, muffins, cookies, and pasta.
Dehydration: A lack of water intake can cause dry, itchy, and irritated eyes.

At Campus Eye, we are equipped to help you make the right decisions for your eye health. Contact our eye doctors in Lancaster today to schedule an eye exam at any of our locations.

For More Eye Health Tips, Visit Our Eye Doctors in Lancaster, PA

There are numerous reasons to follow a healthy diet and live an active lifestyle. People may not realize how important nutrition can be for overall health care, but we are committed to educating our customers about eye health. Our professional eye doctors in Lancaster have been serving the central Pennsylvania region since 1972. We take pride in distinguishing ourselves from retail stores that are focused only on selling glasses and contacts.

At Campus Eye, we offer comprehensive care to our community. Whether you need eye surgery, vision care, or contact lenses, we can help! There is a reason why Lancaster Online named us “The Best Eye Doctors of Lancaster!”

We look forward to seeing you soon!