Keep an Eye on your Health

Keep an Eye on your Health

What can I do to keep my eyes healthy?

Good nutrition is very important for both your general and eye health.
A good diet, full of fresh fruits and vegetables, may help protect against certain age related eye diseases.


Protect your eyes from the sun

It has been suggested that eyes can be damaged by continuous exposure to intense sunlight. Sunglasses that offer good protection are recommended. Wearing a hat with a good brim can also decrease eye exposure to light. Sunglasses and hats are therefore, recommended for children too.


Don't smoke

Smoking causes harm to the tissues of the eye by accelerating ageing and affects the body's ability to absorb or extract necessary vitamins and minerals from food. It can also affect appetite which may result in a poor diet.


Exercise

Exercise helps prevent many conditions, so is likely to be helpful for our sight. Any exercise will help, such as walking, swimming, cycling, gardening and housework.


Vitamin supplements

With a good diet there should be no need to use supplements, however, they may be used when diet does not include enough fruit and vegetables, or if vitamins are not adequately absorbed by your body. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.


Macushield

Are eye vitamin supplements containing lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. Macushield gives the eyes extra protection from dangerous ultraviolet rays and more. Has been known to improve the eye sight of age-related macular degeneration sufferers. This is because meso-zeaxanthin targets the area of the eyes which is responsible for the clarity of vision.



Eat for your eyes

Good eye foods: e.g. usually dark coloured fruit and vegetables.
Avocado
Sweetcorn
Green Beans
Peas
Courgettes
Carrots
Red Peppers
Broccoli
Melon
Grapes
Blueberries
Beetroot
Sweet Potatoes
Brussel Sprouts
Spinach
Pulses
Leeks
Peaches
Mango
Prunes
Oranges
Blackberries

Berry Smoothie

1 cup of blackberries
1/2 cup of blueberries
1/2 cup of natural yoghurt
2 teaspoons honey

Put all ingredients in blender and whizz until smooth.

(Blueberries - this well-known super food is said to be beneficial for eyes, brains and lowering cholesterol).

Useful Contacts

DIABETES UK
08451202960

INTERNATIONAL GLAUCOMA ASSOCIATION
01233648164

ROYAL INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND
08457669999

MACULAR DISEASE SOCIETY
08452412041

HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS INFORMATION SERVICE
02078089808

BRITISH NUTRITION FOUNDATION
02074046504