How Eating Healthy Affects Your Eyes

Your eye health is linked to your overall health and condition. Certain lifestyle factors, including being sedentary and eating processed foods high in fat, sugar, and cholesterol, can end up impacting your eyes along with the rest of your body. Although getting a regular eye exam each year can help spot problems like cataracts, some of these problems can be worsened by a poor diet. Talking with our optometrist at Warm Springs Optometrist Group in Fremont, CA, can help you determine what changes you need to make to keep your eye health on track.
 

What Is a Healthy Diet?

A healthy diet starts with eliminating or reducing processed foods and excess sugars and saturated fats. Your diet should also incorporate lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Good eye health starts with maintaining a proper weight range for your height, age, and activity level. If you're unsure of how many calories you should be consuming each day, you can look up recommendations for your individual situation. A proper diet and exercise help you maintain a proper weight, which can reduce your risks of developing conditions that can lead to poor eye health.
 

Talking with an Optometrist

Certain health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can lead to eye problems like blurry vision and the inability to read. When you get an eye exam, it's important to disclose any health conditions you have to our optometrist. We can then recommend dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as corrective eye treatments that can address any developing or degenerative problems. Eating a balanced diet and incorporating vitamins like antioxidants can help slow down or even prevent many eye conditions.
 

When Should I See an Eye Doctor?

Although you should see an eye doctor each year for a regular exam, if you notice any changes in your vision, have been diagnosed with an eye-related condition, or have sustained an injury that could impact your vision, you may need to see a doctor more frequently. To schedule an appointment for an eye exam, contact Warm Springs Optometrist Group in Fremont, CA, today.