Read more about the article Eat More Pumpkin for Eye Health

Eat More Pumpkin for Eye Health

Thanksgiving is just around the corner!
Did you know eating pumpkin has lots of benefits for your eye health? Pumpkins contain beta-carotene, which is a form of vitamin A which helps protect the surface of the eye and decrease the risk of eye diseases like macular degeneration. It also contains antioxidants which help protect the body from diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
However, beta-carotene supplements may increase the risk of lung cancer in people who smoke. The best way to get it and avoid toxicity is from fruits and vegetables. Try a variety of ORANGE vegetables, such as sweet potato, carrots, butternut squash, and of course – pumpkin! Pumpkin seeds also contain a healthy dose of zinc, which helps bring vitamin A to the retina, where it produces melanin as a protective pigment in the eyes. Roast them in the oven for a delicious snack!
 
Sounds like the perfect excuse to have an extra piece of pumpkin pie this weekend 😉 (just watch out for the added sugar and butter!) Use fresh pumpkin or 100% canned pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie mix to get the maximum benefits.
 
Wishing everyone a happy and safe long weekend! 🙂
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Read more about the article Protect Your Eyes From The Sun

Protect Your Eyes From The Sun

Just like we need sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, sunglasses play an important role in protecting our eyes from the the damaging effects that UV rays can have on our eyes!

Check out this Sun Protection Tip Sheet from Doctors of Optometry Canada:

To help reduce UV radiation damage to your eyes, consider the following tips:

1) Be conscious of the daily UV index and the many sources of UV radiation, including direct sunlight and reflections from snow, water, sand and pavement.

2) Wear sun protection such as sunglasses, UV-blocking contact lenses and a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap, when outdoors.

3) Never look directly into, or stare at, the sun.

4) Keep out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.

5) Keep children younger than six months out of direct sunlight. Use a canopy or umbrella as a sun-shield when outdoors.

6) If you require prescription glasses, consider:

  • Variable tint or transitions lenses that darken when exposed to UV light
  • A separate pair of glasses with tinted lenses and UV400 protective coating for outdoor use
  • Contact lenses with UV protection in combination with non-prescription sunglasses (check out the selection of high-quality prescription and non-prescription sunglasses offered by your Doctor of Optometry)

7) If you do not require prescription glasses, choose over-the-counter sunglasses with:

  • A close-fitting, wrap around style frame
  • 100% UVA and UVB blocking lenses
  • Impact resistant lenses
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Read more about the article Retinal Imaging for Brain Disease

Retinal Imaging for Brain Disease

We already know that checking your eye health can tell us a lot about general health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, liver disease, thyroid disease, and more – but it’s possible that a retinal scan could one day help detect early signs of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease!
The eyes really are a window to your health 🙂

Read more here: Retinal imaging could provide window into brain disease (The Globe and Mail)

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