Eye & Body Wellness

Sources of vitamin A include yellow or orange fruits and veggies, eggs, leafy green vegetables, salmon, goat cheese, cheddar cheese, sweet potato, carrot, grapefruit, and mango.

Sources of lutein are leafy green vegetables, red pepper, corn, green peas, green beans, squash, egg yolk, and grapes.

Studies show that vitamin D can help prevent age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss among Americans. Although one of the best sources of vitamin D is sunlight, there are safe, dietary ways to increase your vitamin D intake.

Some excellent food sources of vitamin D are salmon, trout, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, avocado, spinach, and other dark, leafy greens.

Omega-3 fatty acids help strengthen your skin and prevent wrinkles while strengthening your retina. Investigators find the anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3s on dry eye disease is similar to that of cyclosporine. Because they reduce inflammation all over the body, Dr. Munson frequently prescribes a dietary supplement and dietary changes for patients with dry eye.

Omega-6 sources of omega fatty acids are salmon, eggs, plant oils, flax seeds, chia seeds, eggs, brussles sprouts, spinach, and walnuts.

Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) is a great addition to a dry eye treatment plan. GLA is known as the most powerful health-promoting omega-6, and is found in evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, hemp oil and black currant seed oil.9 GLA is elongated to form the biologically activated dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), which goes on to either form the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 or the anti-inflammatory ARA.

Research shows GLA can be beneficial in dry eye therapy, but it should not be given without EPA/DHA. Only one enzymatic step is necessary to convert the anti-inflammatory DGLA to proinflammatory ARA, and EPA competes against DGLA to ARA conversion, ensuring DGLA forms prostaglandin E1.9.

Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants out there, and recent studies have shown that antioxidants can help slow the progression of cataracts. Vitamin E can also do a great job of boosting antioxidants whose job it is to keep free radicals in check in the body. Free radicals damage your body's healthy cells and are found in pesticides, cigarette smoke, chemical food additives, and the air we breathe.

Great sources for antioxidants include: oranges, blueberries, kale, broccoli, spinach, almonds, sweet potato, and avocado.

Formulated to support a natural balance to your tear film and reduce systemic inflammation, Hydroeye® is a nutritional supplement that helps provide dry eye relief from the inside out. Their formula of omega fatty acids and other essential nutrients helps support the tear film and provide relief from dry eye.

MacuHealth® is a dietary supplement that helps rebuild macular pigment to support the health of the macula, protecting your macula from disease and preserving your vision long-term. Expect improved color vision, less glare and light sensitivity and a stronger retina!

A plant-based diet can help prevent the major causes of blindness: macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Talk to Dr. Munson about how a plant-based diet can protect your eye health and overall wellness.