Fruits & Veggies and How They Impact Vision: More Matters Month

Everyone knows fruits and veggies are supposed to be part of a healthy diet. We would like to help you understand why exactly fruits and veggies are so important, particularly regarding eye health. More Matters Month is an initiative of the Produce for Better Health Foundation and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to promote good health through eating more fruits and veggies. Since 2007 more and more people have gotten behind this movement. At Sites Vision Clinic in Clarksville, our team of optometry professionals supports More Matters Months, and we encourage our patients to adopt a healthier diet.

Reducing the Risk of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that damages the optic nerve. Fluid builds up in the eye and causes a rise in pressure. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in seniors. Studies have shown that Vitamin A and C reduce one’s risk of developing glaucoma. Some vegetables and fruit packed with these nutrients are:

• Kale
• Cabbage
• Collard greens
• Brussels sprouts
• Spinach
• Carrots
• Peaches
• Green beans

Antioxidants, which are also important in reducing the risk of glaucoma, can be found in:

• Tomatoes
• Spinach
• Kale
• Pomegranate
• Cranberries
• Acai berries

Importance of Vitamin A 

Vitamin A helps improve night vision. A vitamin A deficiency can result in loss of night vision and blindness. This vitamin has also been found to help fight age-related degeneration when combined with other antioxidant vitamins. Vitamin A in colorful vegetables converts to beta carotene. You can get your fix of vitamin A from:

• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Kale
• Cantaloupe
• Apricots
• Collard greens

Vitamin A is also believed to relieve the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Adding eye-health-boosting fruits and vegetables to your diet is not difficult, and we recommend you strive to do so.

Optometry Services in Clarksville

For more information on nutrition to enhance your eye health and reduce your risk of developing glaucoma, contact Sites Vision Clinic at (931) 614-0028.