The eyes and brain have the highest concentration of zeaxanthin and lutein in the body. Other nutrients that help support both eye and brain health include:
- Omega-3s (EPA/DHA)
- Alpha lipoic acid
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Selenium
Nutrition’s Role in the Eyes and Brain
Inflammation, oxidative stress, and interruption of the blood barrier are implicated in eye health concerns accompanying aging. Other research shows that these issues are also implicated in concussions. Boosting nutrition, whether dietary or supplemented, can help preemptively protect patients from vision-threatening concerns and possibly protect cognitive abilities.
As part of a holistic concussion prevention program at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Joe Clark devised a program that betters athletes’ peripheral vision, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination, resulting in a drop in concussions. Clinical researched links optimal MPOD with improved visual function, neural processing speeds and reaction time. Patients can improve MPOD by adding 8 mg of zeaxanthin or more into their diet.
Eye care professionals and specifically Neuro-Optometrists, are an important part of the concussion care team because they are experts in the measurement of eye-brain dysfunction; they provide neuro-ocular rehabilitation therapy to patients with brain injuries. Neuro-Optometrists co-manage with Neurologists, occupational therapists and the whole rehabilitation team to help patients get back to their normal state after a traumatic brain injury.
To learn more about Neuro-Optometric rehabilitation visit www.noravisionrehab.com
