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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
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Eat Well to See Well

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Nutrition is such an important part our day and more so for our growing children. Your eyes like other parts of your body require a balance of vitamins and nutrients and daily exercise to keep them functioning optimally. Without a balanced nutrient rich diet, your eyes are at risk for diseases such as age related macular degeneration (AMD), dry eyes and cataracts. As an Optometrist and mother, I recommend parents start early and teach their children healthy eating habits for the entire body.

It’s Simple …. Eat Well to See Well. The foods you eat everyday help not only fuel your body but also your eyes. Important food sources include vitamins, minerals, omega 3 fatty acids and nutrients.

Vitamin A – A fat soluble antioxidant plays an important role in vision, bone growth and the immune system. Vitamin A helps the surface of the eye, mucous membranes and skin be effective barriers to bacteria and viruses, reducing the risk of eye infections, respiratory problems and other infectious diseases. Sources include beef and chicken liver, whole milk and cheese.

Vitamin C – A water soluble antioxidant that is found in virtually all cells of the body especially the eye. Vitamin C supports the health of ocular blood vessels, promotes healthy capillaries, gums, teeth, cartilage and the absorption of iron. Sources include fruits and vegetables – citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit and limes; papaya, kiwi, bell peppers, guava, strawberries, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cantaloupe. One hundred percent pure juice contains vitamin C as well as sugar. Recommended juice intake is 1 serving or a half a cup a day.

Vitamin E –A fat-soluble vitamins which help prevent oxidative stress to the body. Sources include oils, nuts, eggs, some fruits and vegetables and fortified cereals.

Minerals come from nature and are found in Earth, rocks and water. Zinc is one of these minerals that helps transfer Vitamin A and E to your eyes from the liver where they are stored. It supports the immune system and healing process in the body. Sources of zinc include seafood such as oysters, meat, nuts, beans, whole grains and fortified breakfast cereals.

Omega 3 fatty acids are good fats and important for eye and overall body health. As an optometrist I recommend patients consume a triglyceride form which is more stable than the ethyl ester version. There are two important components DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). DHA and EPA are good for your brain, heart, skin, and eyes. ALA (α-Linolenic acid) come from plant oils, nuts, flax seed and vegetable oils. DHA and EPA help decrease inflammation in the body. The body converts ALA to DHA and EPA but the process is not as efficient as taking the DHA and EPA directly. Sources include: oily fish, especially cold-water wild caught fish such as salmon, anchovies, sardines, and mackerel. Recommend intake of cold water fish minimum of twice a week.

Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments that give color and are found in vegetables and fruits. Lutein and Zeaxanthin abundant in the central part of the retina, the macula, and are important to the retina. Our bodies cannot make Lutein and Zeaxanthin so we must obtain them through foods and supplements. They help filter harmful high-energy blue wavelengths of light and act as antioxidants in the eye, helping protect and maintain healthy cells. Recommended intake: 10 mg Lutein and 2 mg Zeaxanthin. Best sources:

1 cup raw Kale 22 mg per serving of Lutein and zeaxanthin, Beta carotene, vitamin C, E, Zinc and fiber
½ cup cooked kale 16 mg
½ cup Collard greens 8.6 mg
½ cup spinach 7.5 mg
1 cup raw spinach 6.7 mg

Goal is to Eat leafy greens every day, a combination of cooked and raw. Orange bell peppers are a great source of zeaxanthin. Eggs are full of lutein and Vitamin E and some are enriched with omega 3.

Beta carotene another carotenoid with a red-orange pigment found in plants and fruits. It is converted to Vitamin A by the body. Sources include carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Beta Carotene should not take it in supplement form if smoking as it can increase the risk of lung cancer. You can eat carrots but Don’t Forget the Rest!

At EyedeologyTM, our eye doctors believe eating a balanced diet will help you see well. A good rule of thumb I use in practice is reminding both parents and children to eat both fruits and vegetables from each color of the rainbow every day and especially the Greens! Greens are a GO for eye health. It is never too early to get started and be preventative.

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
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