Eating Avocados Can Aid Eye Health
Eating Avocados Can Aid Eye Health

Eating avocados can aid your eye health according to a study carried out by scientists at Tufts University.
The study (http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/9/919) involved 40 adults and split them in three groups. One group ate an avocado each day, the other ate a potato per day and the third group ate a daily cup of chickpeas.
This was trialled for six months, after which it was found the group eating avocado experienced a 25% increase in levels of lutein. The other groups only saw a 15% improvement.
Lutein is known as a carotenoid vitamin that acts as a colour pigment in the macula and retina of the eye. Lutein protects your eyes from harmful high energy light waves like Ultra Violet (UV Rays) in sunlight. Diets rich in Lutein are known to hold off age related eye diseases.
Clinical Director at Realeyes, Javed Kanani said: “A healthy balanced diet is essential for eye health. The study shows some interesting research; however, it is essential to have a regular eye examination. Our eyes don’t hurt when something is wrong and early detection of any ailments can usually be checked by one of our qualified opticians and be treated when caught early enough.”
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Can I Really Eat my Way to a Healthy Eyesight
https://www.realeyesuk.com/can-i-really-eat-way-healthy-eyesight/
Get Yourself Through the Hay Fever Season
Get Yourself Through the Hay Fever Season

As the hay fever season sets upon us, the Science of the Total Environment has published a map showing the allergenic pollen vegetation in the UK. It’s aimed at helping allergy sufferers by identifying 12 key allergic vegetation types and created maps to show density of each one across the country, helping sufferers to manage their condition by reducing their exposure if they live and work in one of these areas.
The study shows that UK has one of the highest prevalence of doctor diagnosed asthma affecting 10% of the adult population and approximately 80% of people with asthma also have a pollen allergy. According to NHS choices there are 10 million hay fever sufferers in the UK.
If you do suffer from hay fever our optometrist have this advice for you:
- Always keep an eye on the pollen count in the news that way you’ll know how bad the symptoms may get;
- Get a pollen filter for your car and keep the car windows closed;
- Stay indoors when the pollen count is over 50 and keep windows and door closed;
- Avoid grassy areas and freshly cut grass;
- Take a shower often shampooing your hair if you’ve been outdoors for a long period of time;
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes;
- If your eyes feel itchy splash cold water on them;
- Seek medical advice from the pharmacist of doctors if the symptoms get worse. There are many over the counter and prescription medication that can help.
Senior optometrist and clinical director of Realeyes – The Eye Clinic, Javed Kanani, reminds us: “Itchy eye can be irritating but can also be mistaken for hay fever, in many cases patients are actually suffering from dry eyes. Dry eyes syndrome is a common condition where your eyes don’t make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. We run a specialist dry eyes clinic in all our stores which will ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and your dry eye condition isn’t mixed up with another conditions like hay fever. Once our specialist optician has given you a comprehensive eye examination, they will measure the volume of your tears and check their quality. They will talk you through some treatment options which work for you and your lifestyle.”
You can book a consultation with our optometrist today by clicking here.
Age Related Macular Degeneration – The Facts
Age Related Macular Degeneration – The Facts

Whether you have heard of it or not, age-related macular degeneration accounts for almost 50% of those registered as visually impaired in the UK.
What exactly is Macular Degeneration?
The macula is an area at the back of your eye that you use for seeing fine detail such as watching television or reading a book. It is a painless condition. Macular degeneration happens when the macula becomes damaged. The most common forms of macular degeneration happen more as you become older and are known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There are two types: dry and wet.
Dry AMD This form characterises in a slow deterioration of vision and is the more common of the two conditions.
Wet AMD This tends to be more sudden in onset, sometimes with a dramatic decline in your central vision, usually in one eye.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can vary according to the type and stage of AMD present. Many people do not experience symptoms in the early stages of dry AMD. Some people simply notice that things appear blurry or they have difficulty reading with their normal reading glasses. As the macula cells deteriorate, people may notice that straight lines appear distorted or wavy. People with AMD may notice that they become sensitive to bright light or they find it difficult to adapt when going from a dark to a light environment.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, arrange an appointment at your nearest Realeyes branch.
What are the causes?
Dry AMD is caused by a gradual breakdown of light sensitive cells in the macula. Wet AMD is caused when abnormal blood vessels begin to grow behind the macula and leak fluid or cause scarring. There are certain risk factors associated with macular degeneration:
- Age – most prominent in over 65’s.
- Family history
- Smoking
- Poor diet – lacking in anti-oxidants or high in saturated fats.
- Over exposure to UV light
- Obesity The exact cause is not yet known, so you may develop it even if you do not have any of these risk factors.
What is the treatment for AMD?
Although there is currently no treatment for dry AMD, our optometrists will be able to advise you on lifestyle adjustments to minimise further progression, such as taking specific nutritional supplements. Wet AMD can often be treated if it is caught early enough. At Realeyes, our optometrists routinely check for any changes in the macula and specific tests are carried out if macular degeneration is suspected or observed. If there are signs of macular degeneration, you may be referred to a hospital ophthalmologist for a full diagnosis.
Written by our in-house optometrist Shazia Kanani, who is based at our Wembley store.
Can I really eat my way to healthy eyesight?
Can I really eat my way to healthy eyesight?

Yes, that’s right, what you eat does impact your eyes! Having a healthy, balanced diet not only keeps you in good shape but also affects the functionality of the eyes. Read on and find out more.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Main Benefits | Lowering blood pressure |
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Reducing inflammation | |
Reducing risks of heart attacks and strokes |
Benefits for the eyes | Crucial role in visual development and retinal function |
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Helps reduce dry eyes | |
Reduced risk of macula degeneration (largest cause of blindness) | |
Reduces the risks of diabetic retinopathy | |
Reduced risk of glaucoma |
Food containing omega-3 fatty acids | Oily fish (mackerel, salmon, sardines) |
---|---|
Flaxseeds | |
Chia seeds | |
Walnuts | |
Soybeans |
LUTEIN & ZEAXANTHIN
Main Benefits | It can slow the progression of age related macula degeneration |
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Reduce the progression of nuclear (central) cataract | |
Reduces glare sensitivity |
Food containing Lutein & Zeaxanthin | Kale |
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Spinach | |
Basil | |
Lettuce | |
Asparagus | |
Broccoli |
VITAMIN C + E
Main Benefits | Reduced immune system deficiencies |
---|---|
Reduced cardiovascular disease | |
Reduces skin wrinkling |
For the eyes | Reduces risk of cataract |
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Reduces risk of age related macula degeneration |
Food containing vitamin C and E |
Peppers |
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Guava | |
Strawberries | |
Mango | |
Sunflower seeds | |
Kale | |
Orange juice | |
Pomegranate | |
Pumpkin | |
Tomatoes |
VITAMIN A AND ZINC
Main Benefits | Normal functioning of the immune system |
---|---|
Regulation of gene expression | |
Embryonic development | |
Improves cardiovascular health | |
Supports reproductive health | |
Avoids depression |
For the eyes | Reduces risks for macula degeneration |
---|---|
Reduces risks for dry eyes |
Food containing vitamin A and Zinc |
Red Meat |
---|---|
Poultry | |
Pumpkin seeds | |
Chick Peas | |
Carrots | |
Sweet Potatoes | |
Kale | |
Cocoa powder | |
Cashews |
There are a lot of supplements available which incorporate these vitamins and minerals, however sourcing them from natural products is highly recommended. It’s cheaper and tastes better too!
However, do remember, nutrients are most potent when they come from food rather than supplements. Having a healthy well-balanced diet will incorporate a good amount of the nutrients required to keep your eyes healthy.
Written by our in-house optometrist Zainab Kanani, who is based at our Wembley store.