Our eyes are one of the most vital organs in our body. The eye health is dependent on the health of our blood vessels and heart; therefore, it is imperative to take steps to ensure good cardiovascular health. While we may choose healthy foods that provide nutrition and oxygen to the blood vessels, it is equally important to avoid the following foods that may degrade our eye health when consumed in excess.

Red meat
Pork, beef, lamb, and mutton are sources of red meat. These meats are generally laden with sodium to increase shelf life. But too much of sodium can increase blood pressure and trigger the buildup of fluid below the retina, known as choroidopathy.

Margarine
We often use margarine as an alternative to butter because of its vegetable oil composition. But the food is abundant in trans fats, which may worsen cholesterol levels and degrade eye health.

Fish and shellfish
Fish like salmon and mackerel may contain traces of mercury. So if you eat too much fish and shellfish, the harmful properties of the element might cause damage to the eyes.

Coffee
Despite the energy-boosting effects of caffeine in coffee, too much of coffee may affect your overall health. As for optical health, caffeine may increase pressure inside the eyes and may lead to vision loss. The condition is more prominent in people with ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma who drink coffee.

Sweetened beverages
Beverages laden with sugar, including energy drinks, lemonade, and sodas, can affect not only your eyes but also your overall health, including that of the eye. The sugar content increases the risk of heart diseases and type-2 diabetes. People with diabetes are also at the risk of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Age-related eye conditions have various treatment options. VUITY™ is one such prescription eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia, an age-related condition where adults find it harder to see nearer objects. One may also use VUITY™ with contact lenses, but it is important to remove the lenses before using the drops and re-insert them 10 minutes after the dosage. You may pay as less as $79 for a bottle of VUITY™ if you sign up for the My VUITY™ Points program on their official website. Once qualified, you will get a My VUITY™ Points (MVP) coupon card that has to be displayed each time you fill out your prescription. If you are on the VUITY™ website and are looking for doctor’s near you, click on the “Find An Eye Doctor” tab and enter your ZIP code for instant results.

Verkazia® topical eye drops are another treatment option that can be used to manage dry eyes. It has recently been approved for the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). VKC has symptoms similar to dry eyes, such as chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea.