What remedies for a retinal tear?
The back part of the inside of the eye has a lining called the retina. This tissue contains light-sensitive cells that send visual information to the optic nerve and the optic nerve then transmits these images to the brain. If your retina tears, it can cause changes in your vision.
The purpose of this article is to share the role that nutrition can play in strengthening your retina and help you choose foods to protect your eyes and vision, and thus prevent a Retinal Tear.
Symptoms of a retinal tear
A tear in the retina (even a small hole in the retina) can cause new floating bodies or black spots that flash across your visionand you may also notice flashes of light. The floating bodies will not disappear, but they may only appear from time to time. The flashes of light may occur periodically over a period of days or weeks, explains theUniversity of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should contact your ophthalmologist for an evaluation. He or she will do a thorough fundus study to make sure you do not have a more serious condition.
Nutrients to strengthen the eye
Diet won’t heal an existing retinal tearYour ophthalmologist or other health care professional may recommend a diet rich in certain nutrients to prevent retinal tears and other eye diseases. The retina naturally contains nutrients such as lutein and the zeaxanthin and the retina requires nutritional replenishment of these pigments. Vitamin C helps maintain healthy tissue in the eyes and throughout the body, it also helps keep the blood vessels in your eyes healthy. Vitamin Ethe omega-3 fatty acids and the zinc may also help promote healthy retinal tissue.
Foods of choice…
- Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin are often dark green leafy vegetables.
- You’ll find lutein and zeaxanthin in kale, spinach, chard and collard greens.
- Add fruit to your diet to ensure adequate vitamin C intake, oranges, apples, peaches and grapefruit contain significant amounts of vitamin C, as do tomatoes and spinach.
- Foods rich in vitamin E include walnuts and almonds, peanuts and hazelnuts.
- Select fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna.
- Zinc-rich foods include eggs, salmon and beef.
Food supplements…
Your doctor may recommend that you take dietary supplements to ensure an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals. Before starting supplements, always ask your doctor’s advice, as they may interact with your medication.
Warnings
The appearance of a lot of new floaters in your vision, or a loss of side vision may indicate a retinal detachmenta condition that requires medical attention and immediate repair to prevent permanent vision loss. If you experience floaters, flashes of light or vision loss, you should contact an eye doctor immediately.