Tag: good vision

Book Review: EYEFOODS

Karen Griffith

EyefoodsA book review is new to the eyeblog, but I’m not sure why I haven’t written one sooner. As many of you know, I am an avid reader. I have been trying to expand my reading scope beyond fiction. I’ve been picking up the occasional business book, or human interest best seller. The inaugural book I want to share is Eyefoods, a Food Plan for Healthy Eyes by Drs. Capogna and Pelletier. They are Canadian optometrists who obviously have a special interest in nutrition.

I am often asked and many times offer information about how what we eat, smoke and drink effects our eyes.  EyeFoods OpenedMost of my information comes from studies, lectures and my knowledge about vitamins, minerals and other ingested substances. Eyefoods is written for the layperson, it is logically laid out, with beautiful photographs. The reader can find information by eye disease : age-related macular degeneration, cataracts or dry eye, by type of nutrient: Vitamin C, Zinc, or Anti-Oxidant, and by food sources of healthy eyefood. For example, I recommend 10mg of Lutein a day for patients at risk for macular degeneration. The section about “leafy green vegetables” says that one medium leaf of raw kale is enough to achieve your daily goal of lutein and zeaxanthin. So that’s why kale is so popular lately.  The authors also include recipes and simple tips to incorporate healthy choices into your routine.

Healthy lifestyle and food choices not only benefit the eyes, but our over-all health. In fact the book concludes with an Eyefood Lifestyle Plan:

  • Wear good quality sunglasses
  • Take control of your health
  • Get moving
  • Quit smoking
  • Take an eye vitamin
  • Maintain a healthy weight

If you are looking for a food and health resource, check out this book. I know my copy has found its way to everyone’s desk in the office and each one of the Westside staff has gleaned a valuble nugget. From fiber content in cabbage to dry eye prevention, it’s all here.

Eyefood, A Food Plan for Healthy Eyes. Laurie Capogna, OD and Barbara Pelletier, OD

 

New Year’s Resolutions for Better Vision

admin

 

2013 can be the year you have the best vision possible. Below are some suggestions to help you.

Improve Your Eye Health

  • Eat smart. Diet and nutritional supplements go a long way in promoting eye health. Studies show a diet rich in fruits, leafy vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce your risk of eye problems like macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome.
  •  Get moving. Research has shown higher levels of physical exercise can reduce certain risk factors for glaucoma, as well as macular degeneration.
  • Quit smoking. Put simply, smoking harms your vision. Studies show smoking dramatically increases the likelihood of developing cataracts, macular degeneration,uveitis and diabetic retinopathy.
  • Protect your eyes from the sun (and make sure your kids do, too). Always wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors — no matter what time of year — to shield your eyes from UV rays. This may reduce your risk for cataracts and macular degeneration.
  •  Schedule an eye exam for everyone in your family. Kids and seniors, especially, should have comprehensive annual eye exams to monitor vision changes. Also, have your family doctor screen you for diabetes and hypertension — if left untreated, these diseases can lead to serious eye problems.
  •  Start using safety eyewear for lawn-mowing, home repairs and other chores. Experts say 90 percent of eye injuries requiring a visit to the emergency room can be prevented with proper safety eyewear.
  •  Properly care for your contact lenses. Dirty contact lenses, even if they are not uncomfortable, can cause serious eye infections. Clean your contact lenses and contact lens case properly, and always replace your contacts as recommended.
  •  Reduce computer eye strain. Rest your eyes from computer work every 20 minutes to relieve computer vision syndrome and avoid dry, red eyes. Also, ask your eye doctor about stress-relieving computer glasses.
  •  If you’ve been putting up with contact lens discomfort, dry eyes, eye allergies or blurry vision, talk to me about changes you can make to improve or eliminate these problems.

Improve Your Vision

  •  Blurriness? If your contacts or glasses are no longer doing their job,  you may need a new prescription and/or a different lens design.
  • Upgrade your contact lenses. Contact lenses come in a wide variety of materials, replacement schedules and wearing times — not to mention the array of color contact lenses and special effect contacts available.
  • With the advancement in contact lens technology, there’s sure to be a type of contact lens that suits your individual requirements and lifestyle.
  • Try eyeglass lens coatings. Various lens coatings keep your field of view clear by reducing reflections, fogging and scratches. And eliminate glare during outdoor activities with polarized sunglasses.
  • Consider sports-specific eyewear. For athletes and sporting enthusiasts, there are performance-enhancing frames and lenses designed specifically for different sports and outdoor activities.
  • Make sure your sports eyewear includes lightweight, impact-resistant polycarbonate or Trivex lenses for comfort and safety.

Improve Your Appearance

  • Upgrade your eyewear. Get with the times and refresh your look, as well as take advantage of the latest in lens and frame technologies.
  • If you have a strong prescription, try high index eyeglass lenses. High index lenses provide the same optical power as regular ones, but are thinner and lighter.
  • Considering LASIK? If you’re tired of wearing glasses or contacts, ask your us if you are a good candidate for LASIK or other vision correction surgery.