“When I think about older adults and nutrition, I divide it into two categories: the cornea, which is the surface of the eye and the window we look through, and the retina, which is in the back of the eye and essentially works as the film of a camera to receive images,” says Michelle Andreoli, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “In order for both to work optimally, you need good nutrition for both.”
So, in addition to an overall healthy diet, Andreoli advises drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily. Good hydration is key for dry eye, a cornea-related condition common with age. “If the surface of your eye isn’t well-hydrated, the optics get lousy, kind of like mud on a windshield,” she says.
Omega-3s may help protect against dry eye, too, as well as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which impairs vision in the center of the retina. So Andreoli recommends dining on fish at least twice a week, just as other experts advise for hearing.
And of the five to nine recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, Andreoli suggests making about half of them dark in color, such as blackberries, kale, raspberries, and spinach. “These are all rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that protect your macula,” she says.
A diet that’s good for your brain, heart, and lungs—rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, grains, and healthy fats—is beneficial for hearing, vision, and dental health.
Eat Right for Better Hearing, Vision, and Teeth - ConsumerReports.org
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