Apr 24 - Ballito Umhlanga

It’s no secret that nutrition has a direct
impact on our overall health, but did you
know that eating the right foods can help
maintain your vision? Dr Yavische Reddy,
an ophthalmologist based in Ballito,
explains the connection.
Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients has plenty of health
benefits, but when it comes to eye health specifically,
research suggests that foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc,
lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids are the ones to
look out for. These nutrients have been linked to lower risk
of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, as well
as dry eyes in old age.
To make sure that you get plenty of vitamin C, choose fruits
and veggies like oranges, grapefruit, kiwifruit, strawberries,
tomatoes, red and green peppers and broccoli. Good
sources of vitamin E include almonds, sunflower seeds, olive
oil, and avocadoes, while zinc can be found in legumes,
seeds, meat, dairy and eggs.
Lutein and zeaxanthin both naturally occur in the retina,
which is the lining at the back of the eye. For this reason, it’s
a good idea to incorporate these nutrients into your diet –
find them in leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, as well
as broccoli, raspberries, pawpaw, peaches and mangoes.
If you have diabetes, or your doctor has advised that you
are at risk for the disease, it’s important that you eat a low GI
diet as a number of health issues, including vision loss, can
be caused by high blood sugar levels. Avoid blood sugar
spikes by swapping sweet cereals for oats and go for brown
rice and wholegrain breads and pastas.
If you find yourself struggling with dry eyes, you are likely
to benefit from adding more healthy fats, like omega-3
and omega-6, to your diet. Great sources of omega-3 fatty
acids include oily fish like salmon, trout and sardines, while
most nuts and oils are packed with omega-6 fatty acids.
Both of these nutrients are available as oral supplements,
so it’s worth discussing with your doctor if you think you
need a boost. Your ophthalmologist might also prescribe
the AREDS2 vitamin if you are at high risk for age-related
macular degeneration.
Details: Dr Yavische Reddy; Suite 3, The Well, Ballito;
032 586 0040.
If you struggle with dry eyes, you are likely to
benefit from adding more healthy fats, like omega-3
and omega-6, to your diet.
OPHTHALMOLOGIST - EYE SPECIALIST AND SURGEON
Dr Reddy is a caring and compassionate general ophthalmologist. Ophthalmology is
the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the
eye, its structures and main function which is your vision.
Dr Yavische Reddy is a certified Ophthalmologist specialising in medical and
surgical treatment of eye problems including diabetic eye disease, macular
degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and general ophthalmology. She
performs comprehensive eye exams and surgical interventions.
Tel: 032 586 0040 • Suite 3 , The Well, Corner Kirsty Close and Albertina Way
Associated Hospital: Netcare Alberlito, Ribumed Day Hospital, Kwa-Dukuza Private Hospital, Victoria MediClinic
February 2022 Get It • Ballito Umhlanga 31
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