A healthy eyes recipe
Excerpted from page 38 of the November/December 2019 edition of AOA Focus.
Research shows that adding certain nutrients to patients' daily diets can help preserve their vision.
But not all nutrients are created equal. What is considered the pièce de résistance of eye-friendly nutrients?
Lutein & zeaxanthin
The recommendation
10 mg/day lutein
2 mg/day zeaxanthin
The best choice
Kale (cooked)
1 cup ...... 23.8 mg
The reason
Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids, help neutralize oxidative damage as well as filter high-energy blue light reaching the eye, in turn reducing the risk of AMD and cataracts.
Vitamin A
The recommendation
400-700 mcg Retinol Activity Equivalents
The best choice
Beef liver
3 oz. ...... 6,582 mcg RAE
The reason
Vitamin A is an essential component of rhodopsin, while also supporting functioning of the conjunctival membranes and cornea.
Vitamin C
The recommendation
500 mg/day
The best choice
Orange juice
1 cup ...... 124 mg
The reason
Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, promotes healthy blood vessels and helps neutralize oxidative damage that can lead to cataract development or AMD progression.
Vitamin E
The recommendation
400 IU/day
The best choice
Cereal, wheat germ
1 cup ...... 27 IU
The reason
Vitamin E helps neutralize oxidative damage, in turn helping reduce AMD progression and cataract formation.
Zinc
The recommendation
11 mg/day for men
8 mg/day for women
80 mg/day for high risk of AMD (may need to also take 2 mg/day copper)
The best choice
Oysters (raw)
6 (medium) .........76.3 mg
The reason
Zinc helps vitamin A produce melanin to protect the eye and may help delay AMD progression, while a zinc deficiency has been linked to poor night vision.
Essential fatty acids
The recommendation
1 g/day of EPA + DHA
The best choice
Salmon (cooked)
3 oz. ...... 1,800 mg
The reason
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, promote visual development and healthy retinal function, while an omega-3 deficiency may be linked to dry eye.
Lutein, zeaxanthin reaffirmed over beta-carotene in AREDS2
Staple ingredients of the AREDS formulation deemed safe in follow-on study.
Here comes the sun: Protect patients’ eyes
In summer, some doctors of optometry see an uptick in patients seeking eye and vision care, whether it’s for playing sports or to deal with dry air conditions. Be prepared to offer your expertise on the eye and protecting patients’ vision.
Year-round resources for Diabetes Alert Day
With blood sugar control dipping among U.S. adults, increasing the risk of diabetic retinopathy, doctors of optometry confront diabetes control every day. The AOA provides resources for doctors who are integral to detecting diabetes through comprehensive eye examinations and taking a team approach to patients’ care.