Dr. Barry Kay, Optometrist, Hollywood Eyes

Dr. Barry Kay

Can you stave off cataracts by changing your diet?

Based on research by the National Eye Institute, in addition to countless clinical trials, studies and surveys, there is a positive correlation between good nutrition and the prevention of AMD and cataracts. Studies have suggested that eating foods rich in antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and zinc can protect your eyes from disease. Because cataracts require costly surgery and treatment options for AMD are currently limited, preventive measures play a particularly important role in maintaining good eye health. The following foods contain the six key nutrients for eye health:

• Most fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamin C, including oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers and tomatoes.
• Vitamin E is more difficult to obtain from food sources; however, good food sources include vegetable oils (safflower and corn oil), almonds, pecans, wheat germ and sunflower seeds.
• Beta-carotene is present in dark green leafy vegetables, deep orange or yellow fruits (carrots, mangos, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, apricots, and peaches), vegetables and fortified cereals.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin are found together in many food sources. Dark green leafy vegetables are the primary sources of lutein and zeaxanthin (kale, collard greens and spinach), but they are also present in lesser amounts in broccoli, orange peppers, corn, peas, persimmons and tangerines.
• Good food sources of zinc include meat, liver, shellfish, milk, whole grains and wheat germ.