Enhance Eye Health with Ocular Nutritional Supplements
Vision is arguably one of a person’s most relied upon senses, yet many patients do not take the steps necessary to ensure that the eyes stay healthy and functional. Just as the rest of the body requires routine professional medical care and proper nutrition, so do the eyes. At Primary Eye Care Associates, our team of experienced eye doctors offers general eye care services to meet a comprehensive range of eye health and vision needs. This includes information regarding how patients can care for the eyes at home and avoid damaging eye diseases. Ocular nutritional supplements are one way our Chicago, IL patients can make sure their eyes get the nutrition they need to support long-term health.
Maintaining a Healthy Diet for the Eyes
In order to promote good eye health (and overall physical health), it is recommended that people maintain a diet that is high in beneficial nutrients and minerals. By adhering to dietary guidelines that have been established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, individuals can be sure that their eyes get these important nutrients. Ideally, an individual’s diet should consist of the following:
- Plentiful servings of fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products
- Moderate servings of proteins such as lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts
- Minimal servings of saturated and trans fats, salts, and added sugars
Benefits of Ocular Nutritional Supplements
While the above-mentioned diet is ideal, realistically, many people are not strict about maintaining such a rigid diet plan. In order to ensure that their eyes still receive the nutrition they need, patients can rely on ocular nutritional supplements. These supplements can provide the vitamins and minerals that have been proven to promote eye health in order to help patients decrease their risk of damaging eye diseases. Studies have shown that ocular nutritional supplements can reduce the risk of progression of macular degeneration to advanced stages by up to 25 percent of those in a high-risk category, and reduce the risk of vision loss due to advanced macular degeneration by around 19 percent for that same high-risk group.
What to Look for in an Ocular Nutritional Supplement
Patients who do not believe that their diet is providing the nutrients that support eye health, and those at an increased risk for degenerative and age-related eye diseases may consider an ocular nutritional supplement to promote long-term eye health. Below are some of the vitamins and nutrients that are important to the health and function of the eyes:
- Vitamin A and beta carotene
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B complex
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Lutein and zeaxanthin
- Phytochemical antioxidants
- Bioflavonoids
Patients who are interested in beginning an ocular nutritional supplement can talk with our experienced doctors to receive a recommendation on where to start.
Contact Us
The most important thing a person can do to promote long-term eye health is work with an experienced eye doctor to receive routine eye care. At Primary Eye Care Associates, our team of doctors can provide that ever-important eye care in a setting that is professional and caring. To learn more about our comprehensive range of eye care services, contact us at your earliest convenience.