As we move towards conscious living (eco-friendly cars and eyeglass frames made from wood, see last month’s edition of our e-newsletter) so must we move towards being mindful of what we put into our bodies and how it affects our over all health, and that includes the health of our eyes. This month we sat down with Registered Dietitian Renee Clerkin, to learn about the not-so obvious foods.

Leafy Greens – Research shows the antioxidants lutien and zeaxanthin found in these foods can have a protective effect against cataracts. “Leafy greens are beneficial for eyes because they are packed with antioxidants and they should be eaten raw or lightly steamed to maximize the availability of these nutrients.”

• Lettuce
• Kale
• Spinach

Vitamins C & A: Vitamins have the power to protect against UV damage, help promote normal vision and help our eyes see in the dark.

• Citrus fruits,
• Bell peppers,
• Broccoli and
• Strawberries
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes

What we eat affects us on many levels, we encourage you to consider living an active and healthy lifestyle along with yearly check -ups including eye exams, yes even if you have “perfect” vision!

12 Tips for Contact Lens Users to  Minimize Infections
By Dr. Sarai

A few simple steps can make the difference between problem-free contact lens use and recurring infections. Here’s 12 simple but effective ways for contact lens users to reduce the chance developing an eye infection:

1. Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.
This may seem obvious but it is one of the most important ways in preventing the spread of bacteria when handling lenses.

2. Remember R.S.V.P.
R for redness, S for sensitivity to light, V for vision loss, P for pain. These are some of the common symptoms for an eye infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, Continue reading 12 Tips for Contact Lens Users…