The normal aging process, as well as certain diseases such as diabetes, can increase your likelihood for developing several eye diseases, including macular degeneration, retinopathy and cataracts. Retinopathy is a condition in which your eye's retina becomes crowded with too many blood vessels, which can impede vision and cause bleeding within the eye. Normal blood vessels in the retina may also be damaged. Macular degeneration is a deterioration of the retina that can cause blindness.The National Eye Institute (NEI) reports that nutritional supplements can play a positive role in eye health. Eating for healthy eyes includes consuming omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
Step 1
Eat foods that contain omega 3 fatty acids to protect yourself from retinopathy, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, contained in fatty fish like salmon, can protect your eyes from abnormal blood vessel development. Check with your eye doctor about omega 3 supplements if you do not get enough of this nutrient through diet alone.
Step 2
Choose fresh produce to keep your eyes healthy. Leafy greens and fresh fruit contain antioxidants, which can protect your eyes from cataracts, a clouding of the lens of your eye, and macular degeneration. The World's Healthiest Foods reports that lutein, a nutrient found in spinach and broccoli, can also contribute to healthy eyes. Eggs, corn, peas and several kinds of greens, including romaine lettuce and collard greens, also contain lutein and another carotenoid called xeaxanthin, which contribute to eye health.
Step 3
Limit your consumption of alcohol to reduce your risk of eye disease. The NEI explains that people who indulge in alcohol and nicotine have an increased risk for developing cataracts. Ask your doctor for a referral if you feel you need help to quit drinking or smoking.
Step 4
Add a vitamin supplement called the AREDS formulation to your diet to treat intermediate stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AREDS stands for Age Related Eye Disease Study, a series of studies funded by the NEI to determine the effect of antioxidants and other nutrients on the progression of eye disease. The vitamin supplement does not prevent AMD but may reduce the risk of you developing advanced forms of the disease, according to the NEI.
AREDS formulation supplements include copper, zinc, and antioxidant vitamins C and A.
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