Consume omega 3 for healthy eyes says Sheffield Optometrist
A family optometrist is encouraging people to make small changes to their diet to help protect their eye health.
Alex Gage, from Sheffield-based independent business, Alex Gage Family Optometrist, wants more people to be mindful of the eye health benefits which the essential omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish provide us with.
He said that people forget how crucial their diet can be with regards to looking after their eyes.
"The NHS recommends that we eat two portions of fish a week, including one of oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, trout, sardines and herring.
"Getting the much-needed omega 3 fatty acids from the food we consume is even more important because our bodies can't produce it," he added.
"Fish fats contain long chain fatty acidsEPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which are essential for vital body functions, including eyesight. Making a small but significant change to our diet, and ensuring we eat at least one portion of oily fish weeklyis one of the steps we can take to help prevent the development of wet and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)."
Studies have shown that these fatty acids may also protect against the progression of cataracts and dry eye syndrome, and play a critical role in normal retinal (the nerve tissue lining the back of your eye) function.
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition which occurs when the eyes do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can be very uncomfortable and can affect anyone at any age.
According to the NHS, it is estimated that around one in three people over the age of 65 experiences problems with dry eyes. Increasing our intake of omega 3 is one way to help prevent dry eye syndrome or reduce the symptoms.
Those who don't eat fish can find alternative sources of omega 3 in flaxseed, walnuts, almonds, rapeseed oil and eggs enriched with omega 3 or even consider taking a fish oil supplement. Research shows though that fish oil contains the best source of omega 3.
Alex stresses the importance of looking after your eyes at all ages. He said: "We also encourage adults to see their optometrist for an eye examination every two years, and those aged under 16 and over 70 to have an examination every year, even if you don't believe you have any problems with your eyes."
Those who have any further questions about the eye health benefits of omega 3 can get in touch with Alex Gageat 857 Chesterfield Road, Woodseats on 0114 274 8582 orat48 Sandygate Road,Crosspool on0114 266 7066or visit one of the practices for more information.
Ends
For more information or to arrange an interview with Alex Gage or wife and fellow optometrist Sarah, please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on;
Direct line: 01430 871360
Mobile: 07971 961574
E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk
Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Please visitwww.alexgagevision.co.ukfor more information about the extensive services and products that Alex and Sarah Gage provide.
To see Alex Gage Family Optometrist's Facebook page, head towww.facebook.com/Alex-Gage-Family-Optometrist-36696389904and to see their Twitter page, visitwww.twitter.com/alexgageoptom.
For more information about age-related macular degeneration and dry eyes please visitwww.alexgageoptom.wordpress.com/macular-degenerationandwww.alexgageoptom.wordpress.com/dry-eyes.