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Food That’s Good for Your Eyes and Your Taste Buds

You know how important your vision is. Imagine navigating the world without it. Did you know that certain foods are good for your eyes?

These Vitamin-Rich Foods are Good for your Eye Health

what food is good for eyesightYou probably already know that carrots are good for your eyes, but have you ever thought about what’s in them?

Things like vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 acids all help your eyes’ stay healthy. They can help prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

But, where can you find them?

Spinach and Kale also have antioxidants that protect your eyes from damage. Damage can come from sunlight, cigarette smoke, and even the air around you. They also have lutein and zeaxanthin.

Grapefruit, strawberries, and Brussels are full of vitamin C. Vitamin C is considered the king of antioxidants, so stock up on food that contain this as often as you can!

Seeds, nuts, and wheat germ have vitamins C and E. They work together to keep your tissues healthy.

Turkey, oysters, crab, salmon, sardines, and herring contain zinc and lots of omega-3 fatty acids which may reduce the risk of dry eyes.

Pumpkin and sweet potatoes contain vitamin A, which can help with night vision.

5 Meals to Support a Healthy Vision Diet

Some of the previously mentioned food to support healthy vision isn’t the greatest to eat on their own. It would be better to incorporate the taste of them into some delicious meals.

We’ve put together some of our favorite recipes below – they all include foods and vitamins that will give your eyes a boost.

1.  Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Portobellos

This is a yummy way to create the taste of pizza, but it’s still a really healthy hors d’oeuvre, appetizer, or starter.

This recipe works best with large Portobello caps. Though, if you find smaller ones, buy a couple extra so you can spread the ingredients evenly.

You will need:

  • 4 large Portobello mushroom caps
  • ¼ of a teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ of a teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
  • 1 cup of part skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup of finely chopped fresh spinach
  • ½ a cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped Kalamata olives
  • ½ a teaspoon of Italian seasoning
  • ¾ a cup prepared marina sauce.

It will take around 40 minutes from start to finish. Check out the full recipe.

2. Easy Salmon Cakes

This is a simple meal packed with omega-3s. It will work for both fresh and canned salmon.

You will need:

  • 3 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 15 ounces canned salmon, or 1 ½ cups of cooked salmon
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of Dijon mustard
  • 1 ¾ cups of fresh whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • Creamy dill sauce
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges.

It should take around 45 minutes in total to make. Here is the full recipe.

3. Strawberry Blueberry Compote in Red Wine Syrup

This is a fun and colorful meal full of flavorful fruits.

You will need:

  • 1 cup of dry red wine
  • ¼ cup of sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of whole black peppercorns
  • 2 (2 ½ inch) orange rind strips
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1 cup of blueberries

It should only take around a half an hour to make. This is a great recipe for a party, as it serves 8.

4. Rosemary Roasted Almonds

This is a great snack recipe. There’s nothing worse than being hungry in the middle of the day. It will take around 20 minutes to make.

You will need:

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of Chile powder
  • 3.4 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • Dash of ground red pepper
  • 1 bag of whole almonds

5. Green Eggs and Ham Frittata

Who doesn’t love some classic green eggs and ham. This recipe has leeks, dills, spinach, and Havarti cheese. It will take around an hour to make and bake.

You will need:

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of dried dill
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, diced
  • 1 5-ounce bag of baby spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup of diced ham
  • ½ cup of shredded Havarti or muenster cheese.

These meals are both literally and figuratively a feast for your eyes.

Food that’s good for your eyes doesn’t have to taste bad. You can easily find food that’s good for your vision and good to eat.

Bon Appétit!

Eye Makeup and Mascara – Can It Affect Your Vision

Here’s a question we get asked pretty frequently – and it’s something important to consider for any of our patients that use eye makeup and mascara products to be aware of.

“Can my use of eye makeup or mascara products affect my vision?”

In short, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience vision problems from using eye makeup – but it is possible. Let’s outline the basics.

Eye Problems from Makeup Use

Since everyone’s eye needs and makeup use routines are different, there’s a lot to be aware of. It boils down to be careful, be clean, and be safe. When it comes to your eyes, you only get one pair, so make sure you take care of them if you use eye makeup!

Here are the top things we think you should be careful about:

Contacts

If you wear contacts, it’s entirely possible that the use of makeup products can get into the contacts and ruin the integrity of the lens, and could also possibly cause an infection.

When you put your contacts in, make sure you put your contacts in before and be extra aware of the sterility of your hands and lenses.

Scratched Cornea

It’s serious and it’s all too common – scratching the corneas happens when people are not careful when applying mascara. Scratching a cornea can lead to dangerous infections, so make sure to be careful when applying mascara or makeup.

Try to avoid applying eye makeup or mascara in the car – that’s one of the most common places where people will scratch a cornea.

Avoid using mascara that uses fibers to thicken and lengthen the lashes. The fibers may fall into the eye, scratching the cornea.

Allergies

If you’re sensitive to certain materials or are known to have allergic reactions, you should always test makeup before putting it on.
Some brands will label their makeup as hypoallergenic or ophthalmologist-approved. If you’re having allergic reactions in your eyes to makeup, you should talk to an eye specialist about your options.

Pink Eye

If you don’t clean your makeup or share your makeup, bacteria can grow on it which can cause a bacterial infection, such as conjunctivitis, or more commonly known as “pink eye”.

Make sure not to share your makeup, especially with people who have been around people with bacterial infections.

Also, make sure to properly conceal your makeup when you’re done using it. If you’re using dry makeup, you may also be able to sanitize it with alcohol wipes. Be warned that some makeups may dissolve in alcohol.

Leaving Makeup On

Some makeups have non-toxic components, like glitter, that could cause an irritation, especially if it gets into your eyes while you’re sleeping.

We cannot stress this enough – remove your makeup at the end of the night before you sleep. Try not to fall asleep with any makeup on – especially anything near your eyes.

Expiration Dates Matter

A lot of people tend to ignore the expiration dates on their makeup – but the reason that they’re in place is that makeup tends to have preservatives in them to keep bacteria from building up inside of them.

The preservatives do not work after the expiration date.

Do not keep expired makeup – the bacterial infections are not worth it!

Why Should You Consider Traveling for Cataract Surgery

Reasons To Travel For Cataract Surgery

An estimated 60 percent of Americans will eventually develop cataracts.

Once a cataract has progressed to advanced stages, surgery will be needed to ease the symptoms and restore visual acuity. The cost of cataract surgery will be an important factor in deciding where and when to have the procedure done, among other factors.

In searching for the best facility for your eye surgery, it might be wise to look beyond your hometown and consider traveling to get a better experience with your corrective surgery.

Research & Technology

At Specialty Eye Institute, you can feel confident about the quality of eye care you will receive because our doctors are committed to research and clinical studies using the most advanced equipment available to allow for early detection of eye conditions.

By diagnosing eye conditions early, the doctors have the best chance of giving each patient a successful outcome in treatment.

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Traditional surgery to treat cataracts has been proven to be among the safest and most successful procedures in modern medicine. The popularity of laser cataract surgery has increased the degree of precision involved in performing certain critical steps of the procedure.

Types of Surgery & Lenses

Do you prefer a specific type of cataract surgery?

With the cutting-edge equipment and superior technology available at Specialty Eye Institute, our doctors will customize your surgery to give you the best possible results.

Traditional cataract surgery uses a no-stitch incision and is very safe and efficient and now with laser cataract surgery, Specialty Eye Institute can create incisions and potentially reduce astigmatism up to 10 times more precise than manual techniques for some portions of the cataract surgical procedure.

During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens will be removed and an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) will be inserted in its place. With the new, crystal clear lens, light rays will be able to penetrate to the retina and allow visual images to be sent to the brain.

A variety of lenses are available to choose from, and the type of lens used will affect the price and outcome of your surgery. And, certain lens options aren’t right for everyone so your doctor will help guide you to find the best option that fits your individual needs.

Different Lens Options:

  • Depth-of-Focus Lens
  • Toric Lens
  • Multifocal Lens
  • Monofocal Lens

Cost, Insurance & Payment Plans

Most private insurance carriers and Medicare cover the costs of basic surgery for cataracts. There will be some out-of-pocket expenses, such as co-pays and deductibles. Costs will also vary depending on the type of lenses chosen for your surgery.

Specialty Eye Institute’s staff will work with you every step to give you the best possible care at the most affordable price.

Financing is also available to expedite your needed surgery. We offer the Alphaeon credit card to spread out your payments over time, with low monthly payments that fit your budget. Alphaeon offers you financing plans that might not be available with your current credit card companies.

Specialty Eye Care offers competitive pricing to help in your search for affordable eye surgery. We also help arrange for discounts on hotel rooms to accommodate you during your surgical experience.

Combined with the technological advantages, cutting-edge equipment and some of the best doctors and medical staff to be found, traveling to Michigan for your cataract treatment could be one of the best decisions you have ever made!

Contact Us

Why Specialty Eye Institute?

The highly qualified doctors at Specialty Eye Institute offer state-of-the-art technology and Board Certified Eye Surgeons to give you the optimal experience in traditional or laser cataract surgery.

Dr. Paul H. Ernest founded Specialty Eye Institute in Jackson, Michigan in 1978. The Institute currently has 10 locations in Michigan and Ohio, with more than 20 physicians on staff.

Additional Resources:

Mahmoud El-Yassir, M.D. Joins Specialty Eye Institute’s Team of Experienced Surgeons

Mahmoud El-Yassir, MDSpecialty Eye Institute is pleased to welcome Mahmoud El-Yassir, M.D. to the practice. Dr. El-Yassir is a Cataract and Glaucoma Specialist who will be seeing patients in the Jackson and Kalamazoo locations.

“Dr. El-Yassir brings a great blend of clinical experience and knowledge with a strong passion for providing community-based care,” says Trent Roark, CEO of Specialty Eye Institute.

Dr. El-Yassir earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of California, Davis, and received his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University. He went on to complete his ophthalmology training at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio where he received advanced training in the medical and surgical treatment of ocular disease and conditions.

“I am very excited to join Specialty Eye Institute and become part of this great team,” states Dr. El-Yassir.

“I am passionate about quality patient care and I sincerely look forward to serving the community.”

Specialty Eye Institute began in 1978 when Paul H. Ernest, M.D., the company’s founder opened Jackson Eye Center in Jackson, Michigan. Since then, the company has grown into a multispecialty ophthalmology practice with 24 doctors in 10 locations throughout Michigan and Ohio. We strive to provide the highest level of ophthalmic care at an affordable price.

Why You Should Get A Second Opinion Before Cataract Surgery

Wondering when you should get a second medical opinion? The best way to get optimal healthcare is by exploring your options.This is especially true when it comes to a cataract surgery or any other kind of surgery for that matter.

cataract surgery second opinion

Why Second Opinions Are Important

Only consulting one eye doctor for eye care will limit your knowledge and impact your decision-making process. When it comes to a health condition like cataracts, you’ll want to know the best treatment options.

But first, what is a cataract?

A cataract is a type of eye condition that causes cloudiness within the lens of the eye. This cloudiness will interfere with a person’s ability to see. A cataract can result in blurry vision, faded colors, halos, and in some cases, blindness. Cataracts can be the result of aging, blunt force trauma, radiation exposure, or genetic diseases. Consult an eye doctor if you suspect that you’ve developed a cataract.

What is cataract surgery like?

In a laser cataract surgery, the natural lens is removed from the eye. An artificial implant is inserted in its place. Before the surgery takes place, the eye care specialist will measure the size and shape of your eye to find an appropriate artificial lens for you. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before the surgery.

Most cataract surgeries take place under one hour. You will be awake during the operation, but you won’t feel pain. Your eyes will be under numbing medication. Side effects after cataract surgery are rare. However, you could experience eye infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, pressure, or fluid buildup.

You will be asked to apply eye drops in the days following the surgery; this medication will help your eyes heal.

Why Seek a Second Opinion?

Not everyone needs surgery to treat cataracts. Some people prefer to only wear prescription eyewear to deal with the cataract. A doctor will recommend whether you should receive surgery.

Getting a second opinion from another doctor will confirm whether surgery is truly needed, and keep your mind at ease with these important questions answered.

Is your eye surgeon qualified, trained and certified?

For 40 years, we have been recognized as one of the industry’s innovators. Through our experience, commitment to technology, and role in researching new treatments and techniques we can provide patients the best possible eye care, both today and in the future.

Does your doctor use certified medical facilities and safe equipment? 

Doctors at Specialty Eye Institute use certified equipment when diagnosing and treating your vision problems. Our comprehensive eye exams are designed to detect these eye problems and other diseases in their early stages. Our doctors also participate in leading clinical technologies.

Will your doctor inform and educate you on all your options?

The team at Specialty Eye Institute is committed to educating all of our patients before surgery on all available options for the desired results. We provide many educational opportunities with free patient seminars, informative newsletters, and our team of trained patient consultants and surgical counselors are available to answer any questions. Questions? Let’s talk!

Would others recommend?

Read the reviews when researching your options for eye care and bigger procedures, like cataract surgery. You can view these on Google My Business, Facebook, or sometimes their website.

Questions To Ask Your Eye Doctor

When you visit the doctors for their expert opinions, be sure to ask these questions to compare:

1. How serious is my eye condition?
2. What are the different treatment options?
3. What is the best treatment option for my particular case?
4. What are the risks that come with this treatment option?
5. What happens if I don’t receive treatment?

Also, consider seeking the second opinion from a completely different institute. Different eye health clinics will have different approaches to eye care. When getting a second opinion, feel free to bring along any rest results and information gathered from the first consultation. Be open about what the second consultation is about: getting another appraisal.

How to Choose Between Your Options

If the second doctor disagrees with the first about laser cataract surgery, then it’s time to evaluate the pros and cons of each treatment option. A third opinion may be needed if you don’t know what to do.

In the end, you should go with the treatment plan that offers the best potential outcome.

Need a second opinion? Contact Specialty Eye Institute today! Wither over 40 years of top-notch eye care, we have 10 locations across Michigan and Ohio.

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