The Best Foods & Vitamins for Eye Problems From Diabetes

Diabetic patients face a higher risk for adult-onset blindness than any other group of people. Diabetic eye diseases include glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetes, safeguard your vision through regular visits to an opthalmologist, and choose the right foods and vitamins to promote ocular health.

Fish and Walnuts for Omega-3

• One of the members of the omega-3 group, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the major fat in retinal tissue. A DHA deficiency leaves the eyes more vulnerable. Omega-3 fatty acids lower levels of triglyercerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol while boosting HDL (good) cholesterol. Eat two to three servings per week of cold-water fish such as mackerel, salmon, tuna and sardines, which contain omega-3 fatty acids. Other sources include walnuts and wheat germ.

Leafy Greens for Lutein

• Lutein is a carotenoid that protects against cataracts. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, beet greens and collard greens contain high levels of lutein. Other food sources of lutein are corn, zucchini, broccoli and egg yolks.

Vitamins, Herbs and Supplements

• Antioxidant nutrients may stem the development of retinopathy. Think ACES—vitamins A, C and E plus the mineral selenium—to combat oxidation damage. The herbs ginkgo biloba and bilberry also have a positive impact on ocular health among diabetics. The ayurvedic health tradition from India recommends bitter melon (also known as kerala), turmeric, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds and amla.