Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1157012
key compounds and phytonutrients that are vital to eye health." Let's go through the colors. First, red: "Bell Pepper, tomato, watermelon, or anything bright red will typically give you a good dose of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help delay the formation of cataracts and reduce your risk for macular degeneration." Orange: "Carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes give us beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is responsible for maintaining your eye photoreceptors, so if your diet is deficient in vitamin A, you may experience night blindness or dry eyes." Vitamin A can also be obtained from animal products such as liver, egg yolks and dairy. Green: "Leafy greens like spinach, kale, Swiss chard and parsley all provide dietary sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoid antioxidants that are concentrated in the macula (the central part of your retina). Both of these compounds play a role in protecting your eyes from harmful blue light," says Jamgochian. Blue: "The health benefits of blueberries are mainly due to their high concentration of anocyanadins, or antioxidants. Blueberries (or bilberries, the European equivalent) help improve night vision and sensitivity to bright lights." Jamgochian emphasizes that in addition to eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, high quality animal products can provide us with other important nutrients. A few more dietary additions that she encourages people to consider: Omega Fatty Acids: "You may have heard of the long chain omega fatty acids, EPA and DHA, abundant in cold water fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel. DHA is widely known for its role in brain and eye development during infancy. DHA is concentrated in the retina, where it helps with eye function." To help protect fatty acids from oxidation, try Vitamin E. "The retina has a high concentration of fatty acids that need protecting. Food sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, flax seed, pecans, spinach, and avocado." "Before taking any vitamin supplements, people should consult with their doctor, since high doses of things like beta carotene can be harmful for some individuals with a history of smoking," adds Dr. Buell. Zinc is apparently becoming a common deficiency these days. "Low zinc levels can result in night blindness due to its role in creating visual pigment in the retina, says Jamgochian. "Food sources of zinc include oysters, pumpkin seeds, ginger, pecans, Brazil nuts, oats, almonds, walnuts, and buckwheat." To increase eye health—and health in general—people should avoid inflammatory foods such as refined sugar, conventional meats and dairy, vegetable oils, and alcohol. When asked if there is anything newsworthy related to eye health she would like to discuss, Dr. Salgado responds by mentioning Diabetic Retinopathy. It's important to be aware that this complication, which affects eyes by damaging the blood vessels of the eye (retina), can develop in anyone who has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The longer someone has diabetes, and the less controlled their blood sugar is, the more likely they will develop complications. "Regular eye exams, reasonable control of blood sugar and blood pressure, and early intervention for vision problems can help prevent diabetic retinopathy," she says. At first, diabetic retinopathy may cause no symptoms or only mild vision problems. "Eventually, it can cause blindness. It's essential to contact the eye doctor right away if vision changes suddenly or becomes blurry, spotty or hazy. Careful management of diabetes is the best way to prevent vision loss. People with diabetes should see an eye doctor for a yearly exam with dilation – even if their vision is fine." Dr. Buell notes that another key topic these days in the world of vision health is that of "… short wavelength blue light, which is close to the UV spectrum, and is emitted from many of our screens," she says. "The concern is that, cumulatively, it may cause an increased risk for macular degeneration. With our kids starting to use these devices at such a young age, and for so many hours per day, we need to think about how we can minimize their exposure. We prescribe blue-blocking lenses for anyone that spends long hours on a computer screen, regardless of age." If you're interested in visiting Plaza Lane Optometry, they provide "very detailed eye exams and offer wellness testing with the latest technology," says Dr. Buell. "As a result, you end up spending anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour with us, plus extra time if you are shopping for glasses. We also have a beautiful selection of sunglasses and frames to choose from so that you can protect those eyes while looking your best." Also, they accept Medi-Cal. "We do this as a service to our local community because we care about the health of all citizens. The doctors of Plaza Lane also do semi-annual service trips to foreign countries where eye care is limited or non- existent as well as exams at local community health fairs. We are committed to serving both the local community and those in need around the world." Salud provides services to 27,000 low-income residents, including medical, dental, vision and specialty care. They provide "full-scope optometry," which means comprehensive eye care for every member of the household, from newborns to elders. Services include eye exams, monitoring or treating pathology and disease such as glaucoma or diabetes, conjunctivitis, and ocular inflammation. An optometry team also fits glasses and contact lenses and assists with eyeglass prescriptions. "I get to impact many lives," says Dr. Salgado. "I particularly enjoy being able to prescribe glasses to children whose parents had not noticed there was a concern," she adds. "It's rewarding to be able to connect patients to other services within Salud Para La Gente that they thought they couldn't get because they are uninsured (like referrals to specialists, etc.). Moreover, being able to provide access to low-cost eyewear, contact lenses and other optical department services." Article Resources: Maricela Salgado, OD, Salud Para La Gente, 195 Aviation Way Suite 200, Watsonville, 831-728-0222, splg.org Jennifer Buell, OD, Plaza Lane Optometry, 1537 Pacific Ave Suite 100, Santa Cruz, 831-429- 2020, plazalaneoptometry.com Madia Jamgochian, My Healing Habits, myhealinghabits.com or facebook.com/pg/My-Healing- Habits-663934780303106 ...continued from C1 Madia Jamgochian