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Good Health
handbookA. Storing contact lenses in tap water or saliva can
cause serious eye infections that could lead to
permanent damage and vision loss. Pools and spas are
also problematic for contact lens wearers.Q. I HEARD THAT IT WAS^
OKAY TO STORE MY CONTACT^
LENSES IN TAP WATER.^
IS THIS TRUE?VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is important for the retina.
Find it in seeds, fruit and seed oils.VITAMIN C
Long-term consumption of vitamin
C has been shown to contribute to
cataract prevention. Find it in fruit
and vegetables.VITAMIN A
Because vitamin A helps protect the
surface of the eye, it’s essential for
good vision. Find it in liver, ricotta,
milk and butter.ZINC
This important mineral in
combination with other antioxidants
has been found to significantly
reduce the risk of developing
AMD, and may work to slow its
progression. Find it in seafood,
meat, nuts and beans.LUTEIN AND ZEAXANTHIN
These antioxidants play a key role in
maintaining eye health, working to
filter out blue light and mop up
hazardous free radicals in the macular.
They may help in the prevention of
cataracts and AMD. Find them in
spinach, cabbage and oranges.TO REDUCE UV EXPOSURE
Wear sunglasses. A good pair of
sunglasses will block the amount of UV
radiation reaching your eyes as well
as help to decrease glare. For the best
UV eye protection look for sunglasses
labelled category 3 or 4 (Australia and
New Zealand standard) or ‘100 percent
UV protection’. Ask your optometrist if
you are unsure. Wrap-around sunglasses
block UV radiation that can enter your
eyes from around the sides of the frame.
Wear a hat. A broad-brimmed hat can
cut the amount of UV radiation reaching
your eyes by half.
WEAR PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
Protect your eyes from hazards by
wearing appropriate safety glasses,
goggles, eye guards or safety shields
at work, when doing jobs around your
home such as mowing the lawn or when
playing certain sports.
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR WEIGHT
Even your eyes are affected by weight
gain. If you are overweight or obese you
could be at risk of developing diabetes,
which could lead to diabetic retinopathy
and subsequent vision loss.
EAT YOUR WAY TO
BETTER VISION
When it comes to healthy eyes, antioxidant-rich foods
are your go-to – but other nutrients are essential, too.Selenium
This trace mineral is important for
the proper function of the retina.
Find it in wholegrain bread, fish and
Brazil nuts.COENZYME Q10
Research has found this antioxidant
may play a role in protecting the
retina. Because the production of
coenzyme Q10 slows down with
age, it’s important for patients at risk
of age-related eye health issues to
consume more of it. Find it in fish,
meat, grains and peanuts.GLUTATHIONE
Glutathione may help protect
against cataracts and reduce
eye pressure in glaucoma
patients. Find it in avocado,
asparagus, walnuts, garlic
and eggs.LIPOIC ACID
Lipoic acid may help to reduce
the incidence of cataracts. Find
it in yeast, red meat, potatoes
and spinach.SUPPLEMENTS:
A well-balanced diet with plenty
of fruit, veges, nuts and fish will
go a long way to keeping your
eyes healthy, but supplements
are worth considering if you
think your diet is lacking.
There are specific eye
health supplements
available but speak to
your eye specialist, doctor
or naturopath for advice.be informed
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