An adage states, “you are what you eat,” which might be more accurate than we believe today. The food you eat has much more to do with your health than you would like to give it credit. Your eating and lifestyle habits dictate the kind of health you live with. It also impacts the health of all your organs. Hence, it is evident that eating harmful foods will undoubtedly harm crucial health factors like vision.

Saturated fat
Frequent and unchecked intake of fatty foods is one of the biggest reasons for the rise in health conditions. It is responsible for serious health issues in the long run. Saturated fats are present in everything from your favorite pack of chips to burgers and baked food. Therefore, replacing saturated fats in meals with unsaturated fats is advised as it increases the risk of developing conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Lean protein sources, vegetables, and dry fruits are some of the healthiest sources of good-quality fat.

Margarine
Marketing strategies have made everyone believe margarine is a much healthier alternative to butter. However, contrary to such beliefs, it is loaded with trans fats. Continued use of margarine in meals is a source of increased cholesterol levels in the body and can result in clogged-up blood vessels in the body. The heart is one of the most commonly affected organs because of increased cholesterol; however, other organs, including the eyes, can also suffer.

Sweetened beverages
Sweetened drinks are another suspect that can be added to the list of foods that are bad for eye health. Not only is high sugar intake bad for overall health it is also known to contribute to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Regularly drinking copious amounts of sugar in your beverages can significantly impact your eye health. It is also one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes, which in turn causes eye health concerns. That said, sugar-free or zero-calorie drinks aren’t a solution to be used regularly, either. Mindful use of fizzy drinks is the right way to go.

Processed meat
It is often believed that processed meat is an unhealthy food choice. It is infamous for impacting overall health as well as eye health. These are high in salt and nitrate content, which can be harmful in the long run. Regular intake of bacon, sausages, salami, and other processed meats causes water retention in the body. It can cause the eyes to be swollen and puffy. Higher salt levels also lead to high blood pressure, which can build pressure in the eyes and impact your vision.

Health experts can provide a treatment plan to prevent further damage to the eyes. Loss of vision is one of the first signs of poor eye health. Glasses could correct it, or in cases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it could warrant the use of treatments approved by a healthcare professional. For example, prescription treatments like LUCENTIS® are used to treat wet AMD to help the patients see better. In addition, it hinders vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activity in the body since its excess levels cause vision problems.