Feast Your Eyes at Ayrshire Opticians
Ayrshire’s Urquhart Opticians are highlighting the links between healthy eating and good vision for National Eye Health Week (19-25 September 2016).
The Kilmarnock based group, which celebrated its 100th birthday last month, will be serving up eye-mazing smoothies at their flagship Kilmarnock practice next week, encouraging patients and clients to consider the link between diet and vision.
Alistair Duff, optometrist and director at the Kilmarnock based opticians group, explained: “It’s often said that we eat with our eyes, but a recent survey showed that 60% of people in the UK had no idea that what they eat can also affect the health of their eyes.
“For instance, eating just one portion of fish a week may reduce the risk of developing the UK’s leading cause of blindness, age-related macular degeneration, by up to 40%, and ensuring you are getting the right minerals and vitamins can help protect against conditions such as cataracts and ease conditions such as dry eyes.
“Other factors including quitting smoking and watching your weight are also important, but it’s now widely understood that a diet rich in the right vitamins and minerals can have a positive impact on eye health.”
According to Vision Matters, the organisation behind National Eye Health Week, vitamins, minerals and carotenoids found in many fruits, vegetables and other wholesome foods can protect sight and keep eyes healthy. Cold water fish such as cod, sardines and tuna are particularly beneficial. Also recommended by optometrists are blueberries and grapes; green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale; whole grains; avocado; papaya; eggs; garlic, onions, shallots and capers, and soy.
A recipe booklet - A Feast for Your Eyes – has been produced by National Eye Health Week listing a number of tasty, eye-friendly recipes combining these recommended foods. Copies will be available at Urquhart Opticians, and for this week only the Kilmarnock practice will be serving up samples of one of the team’s favourites: a nutrient-packed water melon and strawberry smoothie.
To find out more about National Eye Health Week and for more tips on healthy eating for healthy eyes go to www.visionmatters.org.uk
