There are some simple steps you can take to protect your eyesight, and the good news is that they also improve overall health, so your whole body benefits!
Stopping smoking, sun-protection and exercise are all good for your eyes. Eating a healthy balanced diet can also reduce your risk of developing common eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that impairs the vision of more than 600,000 people in the UK and is the leading cause of blindness in the western world.
Beta-Carotene vegetables – It turns out carrots really are good for your eyes! Carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin are packed with beta-carotene which is turned into vitamin A in the body and helps keep your corneas moist and healthy.
Leafy green vegetables – These contain anti-oxidant plant pigments which help prevent or slow diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Kale, spinach and broccoli, which are all in season, are good sources.
Omega-3 – Omega-3 is believed to reduce the risk of age related macular degeneration and can be found in oily fish, tofu, walnuts, and chia seeds. It may also help prevent dry eyes and cataracts too!
However, the best way to ensure good eye health is to have regular eye exams and we recommend an OCT alongside your regular exam for a detailed retinal scan. Find out more about our sight tests and other services we provide here
The Richard Tildesley Practice Chichester is offering detailed OCT scans on top of your regular sight test for £45. Your optometrist will spend extra appointment time with you to go through your scan results and what they mean. Find out more about OCT retinal scans here
