The world celebrates Glaucoma Day on March 12 to raise awareness of its impact. Glaucoma refers to a handful of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is part of the visual system in our head. The optic nerve is responsible for carrying visual information from the retina to the brain and it is crucial for good vision. The exact reasons for the damage aren't always clear, though several factors can lead to it, like age, ethnicity (certain groups like Hispanics, Asians and African-Americans are more prone to it), eye anatomy and more. Regardless, you can try to eat a diet rich in certain nutrients to potentially reduce the risk of developing glaucoma or slow down its progression. Here are some beneficial dietary pointers for good eye health:
Vitamins and Omega 3 fatty acids: Vitamins C, E and beta-carotene are important for eyesight. Therefore, you can include veggies and fruits like blueberries, strawberries, spinach, carrots, broccoli, oranges and the like in your diet for good eye health. Salmon, mackerel, sardines, walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds and flaxseeds may also have vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties that could benefit eye health. Also, include whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and oats in your diet over refined grains.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants found in green tea may help protect against certain eye conditions, including glaucoma, according to some studies.
Reduce caffeine, sodium and alcohol: There is a chance that excessive caffeine intake can increase intraocular pressure (IOP) which leads to glaucoma. High sodium intake may also lead to fluid retention and increase intraocular pressure, so it's advisable to limit your intake of salty foods and processed snacks. Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase intraocular pressure so it's better to limit it.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health, including eye health. Aim to stay well-hydrated throughout the day and drink enough water to suit your activity level.
