Eye Anatomy
The pigmented part of the eye that surrounds the pupil and is responsible for how much light enters the retina.
IRIS LENS CORNEA PUPIL
Iris
Vitamin A plays an important role in immune health, reproduction, growth and development during childhood, and most notable in this other important function.
Vision and Eye Health
Studies link the consumption of fruits and vegetables with better overall health partially due to their antioxidant content. Which vitamin, most notably associated with orange juice, is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect our eyes against UV light damage and aid in the prevention of age-related cataracts.
Vitamin C
Lutein and Zeaxanthins are found in the macula of our eyes, which is a layer of light sensitive cells that function to protect the eyes against harmful light. Which foods are good sources of these antioxidants?
Eggs, leafy greens ( kale, spinach, parsley), bell peppers, pistachios, corn
One of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs is to wash our hands. How long should this task be completed for?
20 Seconds
Our brains are able to perceive a visual picture due to this inner layer of the eye that takes light energy and turns it into images. This light-sensitive layer is found near the optic nerve and contains cells called cones and rods. Issues with this part of the eye are associated with macular degeneration.
LENS IRIS RETINA PUPIL
Retina
Carotenoids are pigments that give yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables their color. Our bodies can convert some carotenoids into which vitamin important in eye health?
Vitamin A
Adult men need 90 mg vitamin C and adult women need 75mg vitamin C each day. How many green bell peppers would you need to eat to get the recommended amount of vitamin C?
1 medium green bell pepper has about 96mg of vitamin C
This mineral is found in high concentrations in our eyes. Deficiency of this mineral can lead to night blindness.
Zinc
Germs can spread and cause illness when we touch something contaminated. Washing our hands often is important but we should also avoid touching these areas of our face especially during flu season!
Eyes, nose, mouth
This important part of the eye allows us to bend and focus light onto the retina and is located behind the iris. Without it our eyes would have a hard time focusing light to form an image. Issues with this part of the eye are associated with cataracts.
PUPIL CORNEA IRIS LENS
Lens
There are two different sources of vitamin A. One type is found in fish, organ meats, dairy products and eggs. The other, carotenoids, can be turned into vitamin A by our bodies and are found in which foods?
Yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to the arteries and veins in the eyes. This vitamin can help regulate blood sugar levels and is also known as the sunshine vitamin.
Vitamin D
One study showed that zinc supplementation, among other supplements, slowed macular degeneration in older adults. What are some food sources of zinc?
Meat, shellfish, legumes (chickpeas, lentils, beans), seeds, pumpkins, nuts and peanuts, dairy products, eggs, whole grains (wheat quinoa, rice, oats), dark chocolate 😊
Zinc is essential for eye health, immune system health, wound healing and these two senses that are arguable the most important when it comes to enjoying food.
taste and smell
Eyes need protection from dirt, germs, and other particles that could damage the inner structures. Luckily we have a clear outer layer to provide this protection.
PUPIL RETINA CORNEA IRIS
Cornea
Vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States. The most common sign of vitamin A deficiency is Xerophthalmia- the inability to see in low light- and can lead to blindness if untreated. What medical conditions could lead to a potential deficiency?
Individuals living with Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis
This fat soluble vitamin is abundant in our food, serves as an antioxidant, can boost our immune healthy and also shows promise to slow down vision loss associated with age-related macular degeneration.
Vitamin E
Copper deficiency, although rare, can lead to vision loss because it is used by the nervous system. What foods contain copper?
Nuts and seeds, leafy greens, liver, dark chocolate, oysters, mushrooms, potatoes
Antioxidant rich foods are not only good for the eyes, they are important in immune health. Which foods should you eat to boost your immune system?
fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean meats
This part of the eye protects the lens and retina from damage that light can cause by dilating and contracting.
CORNEA LENS IRIS PUPIL
Pupil
Adult men need 900mcg of vitamin A and women need 700mcg. How many cooked carrots ( in cups) would you need to consume to get the recommended amount for the day?
1 cup cooked carrots contain 1280mcg RAE or 142% of the DV
Vitamin E supplementation can interact or interfere with certain medications and treatments. Which are the most common interactions?
Vit E interfere w/ anticoagulant or antiplatelet (warfarin/ coumadin
Vit E (and other antioxidants) can interfere with chemotherapy and radiation treatment
Vit E and other antioxidants can interfere with cholesterol med(statins/ niacin0
Age- related macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in older adults. Supplements containing vitamins C, E, zinc and copper have been shown to help slow down vision loss. What should be done before starting any new supplement?
Talk with your doctor and/or dietitian before starting on any new over the counter supplements.
Echinacea is an herbal supplement that some people use to treat or prevent colds and comes from various parts of the Echinacea plant. Does evidence support that it helps to prevent or treat colds?
Echinacea has not been proven to help prevent or treat colds.