Three Food Choices to Help Prevent Cataracts

Eye care is important, and this is particularly true as you age. Optometry Australia confirms that cataracts are commonly a result of ageing and are often seen in people over 65. Reducing your eye exposure to ultraviolet light is one way to reduce your chance of cataracts growing. However, making healthier food choices can play a part in keeping your eyes healthy. As someone who is concerned about their eye health, consider these three food changes you can make to lower your odds of needing cataract surgery in the future.

Reduce Sugar Intake

You already know that consuming too much sugar from soft drinks, sweets and other foods is bad for you. However, did you know that too much sugar is also bad for your eyesight? Diabetes and other high blood sugar medical conditions increase your chance of getting cataracts at a younger age than those who have healthy blood sugar levels.

Regulate your blood sugar level by eating healthy foods low in sugar and also by exercising regularly. Even a simple exercise like fast walking burns glucose in your system, which in turns lowers your blood sugar levels.

Vitamins A and C

Vitamins A and C are important for eye health because they provide the anti-oxidants needed to prevent free-radical attacks. Foods that suit your desire to increase your vitamin A intake include kale, sweet potato and carrots. One cup of kale or carrots or one sweet potato gives you more than 100% of the recommended daily value you need.

To bump up your intake of Vitamin C, choose foods such as oranges, red capsicums and broccoli. In fact, a red capsicum has close to triple the amount of Vitamin C you would find in an orange. It also contains the Vitamin A you want to keep your eyes healthy.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are more nutrients vital for the health of your eyes. Previous studies have proven the link between lower cataract risk while consuming high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale have high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin so get out the butter and start sauteeing some of these as a side dish to your meals.

It is never too late to make food choices to help the health of your eyes. However, if cataracts have developed, a reputable optometrist can arrange cataract surgery for you. After it has been done, use the food choices mentioned above to make sure your eyes stay in a healthy state for the years ahead.