Eye Health And Proteins

The eye is made up of a number of parts, veins, arteries, and vessels. It contains many unique proteins that can act as auto-antigens. Any damage done to these proteins can cause eye issues. Some such examples include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal degenerative diseases.

How are health problems associated with lack of proteins?

Cataracts is one of the most common reasons for blindness in the world, which is present in almost 70% of people that are over 75 years of age. Similarly, macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible visual loss in the elderly. There are a number of reasons that can be caused in the condition of macular degeneration, one of the most common symptoms seen being the pigmentation of the retinal pigment. Thus, it is the oxidative stress that damages the proteins, enzymes, and fats in the eye lens, which makes it cloudy and damaged.

How do the eyes work?

All of this can be prevented by consuming healthy food rich in proteins and those that contain antioxidants. At the back of the eye is the retina – a layer of cells that are photosensitive. These photoreceptor cells contain photopigments, light sensitive molecules that are made up of opsin, a protein. When light reaches these photpigments, they change shape, thus triggering a series of chemical reactions, and sending a signal to the visual cortex of the brain, telling it how much light there is at each point on the retina. This helps in creating an image of what we see. Different types of photoreceptor cells contain different types of photopigments. The two main types of photoreceptor cells are rods and cones, which help in seeing during darkness and during light respectively.

How to build up proteins in the eyes?

Eating a healthy and balanced diet rich in proteins can help provide all the necessary nutrients for your eyes. These include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. While meats are also a good source of protein, but it the fat content and cooking method that helps prepare them to become healthy or unhealthy. So, you need to be very careful while consuming those. You need to limit the consumption of saturated fats from red meats and dairy products, which may increase the risk of macular degeneration. Instead, you need to choose lean meats, fish, nuts, eggs, and legumes.

What all should you consume?

Fish – Salmon is the best kind o fish you can consume, which is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Have it few times a week, either grilled or boiled, seasoned with herbs, lemons, salt, and pepper.

Eggs – Eggs are rich in Vitamin A, zinc, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin, all which are vital to eye health. Vitamin A safeguards the cornea; Zinc improves the health of the retina; and Lutein and Zeaxanthin lower the chances of getting serious eye conditions. Hard boil eggs and have them in salads or sandwiches.

Almonds – For all of you vegetarian friends, almonds are the best source of protein for you. They contain Vitamin E, which guards against the unstable molecules that target healthy tissues. Have 1/4^th cup or 23 units of almonds every day to keep your eyes away from cataracts and macular degeneration. Have them with your salad, cereal, or yoghurt.

Oranges – Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, which contribute to healthy blood vessels in the eyes. They can fight the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Have an orange every evening, add them to your salad, or have a glass of orange juice every day.

Carrots – Carrots have Vitamin A and beta carotene, which help the surface of the eye and prevent eye infections and other serious eye conditions. Have carrots as your evening snack everyday by adding them to your salads and soups.

Dairy products – Milk and yoghurt contain Vitamin A and Zinc, which protect the cornea and bring vitamin to the eyes from the liver respectively. Drink a glass of milk three times a day, or add it to your breakfast cereal, and have yoghurt with your meals.

It is important to take care of your eyes, but it is even better to keep them prevented against any diseases. Thus, prevention is better than cure; and for the best prevention, it is not only important that you have a healthy diet, but also that you have regular eye checkups. Arohi Eye Hospital is the best eye checkup clinic in Oshiwara Mumbai, where you can have your eyes checked at a regular basis from professional eye specialists; and also have them treated effectively and successfully.