The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) explains that there is evidence showing that a healthy diet prevents the development of eye diseases, “although this link is not as strong as for other diseases such as heart disease.” The National Health Service recommends that most people have an eye exam every two years.
According to the Kraff Eye Institute, certain vitamin deficiencies can “negatively affect the way we see.”
He explains: “Our eye health depends on the balance of many nutrients, but a few key vitamins improve eyesight.”
The health body says that vitamin A is an “essential” nutrient for the eyes.
He explains: “Vitamin A is a broad term used for a group of compounds called retinoids.”
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“Retinol is the form of vitamin A derived from animal foods. In the eye, retinal cells absorb retinol to produce a pigment called rhodopsin.
“Xerophthalmia is the term used to describe the constellation of symptoms arising from vitamin A deficiency, including night blindness and dry eye, among others.”
The NHS says that vitamin A, also known as retinol, has several important functions.
These include helping your body’s natural defense against disease and infection, aiding vision in low light, and keeping the skin and lining of some parts of the body, such as the nose, healthy.
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RNIB also points out that some of the health complications of being overweight can cause problems that can affect vision.
“These include retinal vessel occlusions, diabetic eye problems, and stroke-related eye conditions.
“You can reduce your risk of developing these conditions, which can lead to vision loss, by maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if necessary,” he says.
RNIB explains that how your diet can affect your eye condition depends a lot on what eye condition you’ve been diagnosed with.
There are several other factors that can affect the health of your eyes, according to the NHS.
The health body says: “If you smoke, you are much more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration, which is the most common cause of vision loss in the UK, and cataracts, than people who don’t smoke.”
He adds: “Getting out in the sun is important for your overall health, but you need to protect yourself. Never look directly at the sun, even when something exciting is happening, like an eclipse.”
Age UK notes: “The best way to ensure your eyes are healthy is to have regular eye check-ups. Many eye diseases can be successfully treated if detected early.”
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