Follow a Proper Diet and Reduce Your Chances of Eye Problems

Most people know by now that eating a healthy diet is critical to preventing and managing a wide range of physical ailments, from heart disease to obesity. What most people don’t know is that a healthy diet is also indicated for eye health, and the balance of the right foods can help to maintain healthy eyesight and prevent everything from dryness to cataracts. If you’re looking for cataract surgery San Diego or elsewhere, keep in mind the following facts.

Common Eye and Vision Problems

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, over two million Americans suffer from glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. At the same time, over four million people have diabetic retinopathy, and between one and three million experience dry eye. But these numbers pale in comparison to the nearly 22 million Americans age 40 and older who have cataracts, a number that increases with age, causing half of all Americans to suffer from cataracts by age 80.

Preventing Vision Problems

Fortunately, following a healthy diet can improve eye health and prevent problems before they arise. Some tips for an eye-healthy diet are:
• Consume vitamin D, found in milk, fish, and leafy green vegetables, as well as supplements
• Reduce meat intake or consider becoming a vegetarian
• Eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, fish oil, flaxseeds, and eggs
• Consume moderate amounts of caffeine, which has been shown to reduce eye dryness

Visit Your Eye Doctor

Visiting an eye doctor regularly is the best way to keep your eyes healthy since a doctor can often see problems before you have any symptoms. Especially when it comes to cataracts, eye doctors can detect a cataract forming and help you consider treatments.

Cataracts and Cataract Surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, the clear part of the eye that focuses light. Cataracts can form when the proteins in the lens clump together, causing blurry or cloudy spots in a person’s vision. While cataracts can be caused by specific behaviors and ailments such as smoking and diabetes, they can also occur over time as part of the natural aging process.

Aside from preventative measures such as eating a healthy diet, surgery is the most effective remedy for cataracts. In operation, the eye’s natural lens is removed and replaced by an artificial lens. As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection and bleeding. However, according to the National Eye Institute, cataract surgery is one of the most effective and safest operations available, providing 90% of patients with improved vision. If you are looking to get cataract surgery in San Diego or beyond, see a doctor to discuss your options.