Eyes and diet

A healthy diet may reduce your risk of glaucoma. In addition to its impact on your overall health, a healthy diet may help reduce your risk of glaucoma. For instance, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish has been shown to help lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of glaucoma. 

Fruits and veggies are good sources of vitamins A, C, and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, compounds known to protect against oxidative stress associated with damage to the optic nerve and other tissues of the eye in glaucoma.

Recommendations to eat leafy greens are well-known as a key for optimum health, but a diet that includes leafy greens may also provide additional benefits to patients with glaucoma. Research shows that people who eat more leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach may have a 20 to 30 percent lower risk of developing the disease. Nonetheless, the study doesn’t prove that leafy greens reduce glaucoma risk; only an association between the two.

Eating leafy greens is also linked to lower rates of inflammation, cancer, heart disease, and even macular degeneration.

Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of vitamin E, which is vital because the vitamin helps keep cells healthy and protects them from free radical damage, which breaks down the protective retinal tissues in the eye. Sunflower seeds (which also help decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts), almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios (these have high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin as well) are all great sources.

Fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and halibut contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which research suggests may help reduce the risk of developing eye disease later in life. 

Ocular surface disease indicates damage to the surface layers of the eye, namely the cornea and conjunctiva. There are many causes ocular surface disease, but the 2 most common ones are “dry eye syndrome” and “blepharitis”.

Dry eye syndrome: the surface of the eye, the cornea, is like the windscreen of the eye it is covered by a thin layer of fluid, the tear film. New tears form in glands located around the eye and keep the moisture level in the eye balanced. This protective film is important for comfort, clear vision and nourishment to the cells of the cornea. Some people do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes wet and comfortable, whereas, in others the tears are too liquid and therefore they evaporate too quickly, leaving the cornea (rich in sensory nerves) exposed to the air, wind and dust.  This condition is known as dry eye, one of the most common eye conditions.

Age is the main cause of dry eye, although other causes have been observed:

•  Illness (including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Graves' disease, diabetes, scleroderma, and Sjogren's syndrome).
• Hormonal changes in women after menopause and during pregnancy.
• Poor blinking habits while reading or looking at a computer screen for long periods of time.
• A dry, indoor environment.
• Contact lenses.
• Certain medications (including tranquilizers, antihistamines, certain heart medications, diuretics, birth control pills and ulcer medications).

Dry eye symptoms include a dry, gritty or burning sensation in the eyes, redness, watery or teary eyes and mucus that make the eyes feel "glued shut" after sleeping. Many people also report the feeling of something in the eye or eyestrain. Itching and light sensitivity may also occur. Symptoms are usually worse late in the day.

Very often, dry eye can be diagnosed based on symptoms. Ophthalmologists also use a variety of tests including measuring tear production, special dyes, and evaluation of the constitution of the tear film in order to confirm the diagnosis. These tests serve to rule out other potential problems, such as conjunctivitis, that can produce the same symptoms.

What are the treatment options? If dry eye is left untreated, it can damage tissue and scar the cornea, which loses its clarity and therefore the vision will be clouded. Treatment of dry eye is directed at wetting the eye, reducing inflammation, improving the work/home environment and evaluating overall health, medications and diet.

Therapies include:

• Artificial tears or ointments.
• Punctal plugs to prevent tear drainage.
• Eliminating dryness and dust.
• Diet modification.
• Evaluation of medications.
• Increased blinking.
• Treatment of associated medical problems.

Blepharitis is a common eye condition that makes your eyelids red, swollen, irritated, and itchy. It can cause crusty dandruff-like flakes on your eyelashes.  

Blepharitis can be uncomfortable. But it isn’t contagious, and it usually doesn’t cause any lasting damage to your eyes.

Common symptoms of blepharitis are:

• Feeling like there’s something in your eye
• Burning or stinging eyes
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Red and swollen eyes or eyelids
• Tears that are foamy or have small bubbles in them
• Dry eyes
• Crusty eyelids or eyelashes when you wake up

Blepharitis can also cause more serious problems like:

• Blurry vision
• Eyelashes that fall out
• Eyelashes that grow in the wrong direction
• Swelling of other parts of the eye, like the cornea

The main treatment for blepharitis is regularly cleaning your eyelids and keeping them free of crusts. Blepharitis usually doesn’t go away completely, but you can take steps to manage your symptoms. Talk to your eye doctor about what’s causing your blepharitis and the best ways to manage it.