A Feast For Your Eyes: Foods Can Help Maintain Healthy Eyes

WELLINGTON, FL – (January 21, 2008) – Mother always said, “eat your carrots, they’re good for you eyes” – but was it all a myth? Based on research by the National Eye Institute, in addition to countless clinical trials, studies and surveys, there is a positive correlation between good nutrition and the prevention of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, a painless, cloudy area in the lens of the eye that blocks the passage of light to the retina.

Studies have suggested that by eating foods rich in six nutrients -- antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc -- you can help protect your eyes from disease. Translated loosely, healthy eating habits can mean healthy eyes.

According to Dr. Salvatore M. DeCanio, Jr., LASIK and Chief Medical Director of VISO LASIK MEDSPAS with locations in Wellington, FL; Charlotte, NC; and San Antonio, TX; “We have known for years now that anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals are beneficial to our long-lasting vision and eye health. Peer-reviewed clinical studies are now confirming what nutrition experts have been telling us. Personally, I have been beneficially taking these supplements for over ten years.”

So, what type of foods are EYE HEALTHY? In addition to carrots which are commonly associated with good eye health because of their rich source of Vitamin A, the following foods contain the six key nutrients for eye health:

• Most fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamin C, including oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers and tomatoes.
• Vitamin E is more difficult to obtain from food sources, since it is found in very small quantities. However, good food sources include vegetable oils (safflower and corn oil), almonds, pecans, wheat germ and sunflower seeds.
• Beta-carotene is present in dark green leafy vegetables (spinach!), deep orange or yellow fruits (carrots, mangos, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, apricots, and peaches), vegetables and fortified cereals.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin are found together in many food sources. Dark green leafy vegetables are the primary sources of lutein and zeaxanthin (kale, collard greens and spinach), but they are also present in lesser amount in other colorful fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, orange peppers, corn, peas, persimmons and tangerines.
• Good food sources of zinc include meat, liver, shellfish, milk, whole grains and wheat germ.
  Dr. DeCanio provides insightful knowledge on additional precautions you can take to help keep eyes healthy:
• Ultra-violet and glare protective eyewear at all times when outdoors, regardless of whether the sun is out or not. Excessive exposure to the sun’s potentially damaging rays can lead to more permanent damage in the retina and increased incidence of cataracts, a condition of aging of the eye’s crystalline lens behind the pupil. The workplace is a common area of protective concern, as 2,000 US workers sustain job-related eye injuries, such as chemical or foreign objects getting into the eye, especially wood or metallic.
• Annual eye health examinations are crucial to ensure optimum visual performance.
• Eat healthy and take vitamin and mineral supplements

MORE ABOUT VISO LASIK MEDSPAS

VISO LASIK MEDSPAS provides vision and beauty excellence in a Euro-Spa environment. Their professional team of experts offers progressive medical attention with superior concierge-style service. This newly integrated concept of LASIK center and Medical Spa features a relaxation room, concierge services and added incentives through their VIP Passport program. VISO LASIK MEDSPAS’ LASIK surgeons provide vision excellence with blade-free custom LASIK; an unconditional, no-cost Vision Lifetime Guarantee and complimentary 3-D eye examinations for all potential candidates. Experience the difference with vision excellence.