Specsavers recommends eating for eye health

London, United Kingdom (PRWEB UK) 4 April 2012

Consuming too much beef, lamb and pork can increase the chances of developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), according to a study conducted by The Royal College of Ophthalmology.

AMD affects around two and half million people a year and can result in blindness but the study showed that it can be preventable, through better eye care and diet. In response,Specsavers, Britain?s most trusted optician*, has developed a special healthy eyes diet to raise awareness of the importance of food for every aspect of our health.

Paul Carroll, director of professional services at Specsavers Opticians, says: ?The right diet is particularly beneficial in protecting the macular, an area of the retina, from the effects of oxidation, which causes gradual wear and tear to the cells in the eye. This is the part of the retina that gives us our most acute and detailed vision for tasks, such as reading, recognising faces and watching television, so it is important to protect it.?

Foods which contain high levels of the antioxidants ? beta-carotene, lutein and vitamins C and E ? appear to reduce the risk of developing the condition. Foods such as pepper, broccoli, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits and dark green leafy vegetables, like spinach and kale, are rich in these antioxidants.

Mr Carroll continues: ?Eating the right antioxidants and vitamins will help to neutralise potentially cell-damaging molecules called ?free radicals? which are thought to harm the eye?s lens and macular. So for your health and your eyesight?s sake, enjoy a variety of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain every day.?

Specsavers? foods to feast your eyes on are: chicken, carrots, leafy vegetables, peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, pumpkin, yams, squash and sweet potatoes, apricots and citrus fruits, sardines and nuts.

In addition to following a healthy diet, the College of Optometrists recommends that you have an eye test every two years. Specsavers offers state-of-the-art technology as part of its standard eye examination and offers a wide range of corrective options to suit all needs.

Issued by MEC on behalf of Specsavers

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