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5900 Heckert Rd.
P.O. Box 324
Bakerstown, PA 15007
724-443-6767 Phone
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Natrona Heights, PA 15065
724-226-0444 Phone
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WHAT’S IN YOUR GARDEN?

Fresh-Vegetables-and-Eye-HealthWith spring quickly turning to summer, the annual duties of weeding and watering the gardening have started.  For many people this also means a change in their diet as fresh vegetables are more readily available, and free!  A proper diet is not only good for your overall health, but can help to keep your eyes healthy and sharp well into the future.

While there are foods that you should eat that you cannot grow in a garden, there are several vegetables that you can grow that are good for your eyes.  

When deciding your next meal, there are factors to take into account.  Foods that contain a range of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals are known as antioxidants that will help your body to destroy oxidants.

Eating foods with a range of antioxidants may help to prevent several eye conditions such as:

  • Poor night vision
  • Dry eyes
  • Cataracts
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Glaucoma

Your eyes need several different types of antioxidants in order to fend off oxidants and stay healthy.

Some of these foods include:

  • Lutein
  • Zeaxanthin
  • Vitamins A, C, E
  • Zinc
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Beta-carotene

Your diet should also include foods such as fish, eggs, and nuts, which you would buy from the store.  But if you have a green thumb personality and enjoy having a garden, there are foods you can grow to help your eye sight.

  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Collards
  • Carrots
  • Tomatoes

The best way to eat is by doing what is called “following the rainbow.” Eating fruits and vegetables that vary in color offer many different vitamins that will help the health of you and your vision. When growing your garden, keep in mind that all vegetables provide nutrients for your body. The ones listed above are vegetables that are found to contain high amounts of antioxidants and nutrients. Happy gardening!

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.