Optical Prism January 2020 | Page 10

Vision & Voice How can changing your diet and exercise regime improve overall eye health? “A healthy lifestyle, including adding important eye-healthy foods to your diet and staying physically active can help to prevent ocular disease and help to maintain a lifetime of health- ier eyes. Here’s a few simple tips to fol- low. Adding leafy greens such as kale and spinach to your diet everyday and including orange peppers and eggs a couple of days per week will increase your intake of lutein and help to decrease your risk for age-relat- ed macular degeneration and cataracts. Eating fish two to three times per week will pro- vide your body with the anti-in- flammatory effects of DHA and EPA, important omega-3 fatty acids and may help to decrease symptoms of dry eye disease. In addition to focusing on a healthy diet, exercising 150 minutes per week, as recom- mended by Health Canada, will help to decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, helping you to main- tain optimal retinal health.” Dr. Laurie Capogna, Ontario Association of Optometrists. “ “As many eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, have a vascular component to them, keeping the heart and body healthy through exercise also helps keep the eyes healthy. And just like a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is good for the body, it is also good for the eyes.” Dr. Tammy Labreche, University of Waterloo, School of Optometry & Vision Science. “Studies show that a healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, can be a great contributor to improving and preserving eye health and vision. Choose a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and healthy fats to provide you with vital nutrients for your eyes – and the rest of your body. Exercise can reduce high blood pressure, cholesterol and intraocular pressure, which have been linked to complications and/or ailments of the eye, along with other health issues. Exercise also improves circulation in the body, providing a multitude of benefits everywhere. While leading a healthy lifestyle is often easier said than done, the benefits are worth the effort.” Jen Bishop, optician, New Brunswick, Opticians Association of Canada. 8 Optical Prism | January 2020