Posts tagged with AMD

The groundbreaking Age-Related Eye Disease Studies 1 and 2 (AREDS and AREDS2) revealed the potential of nutritional supplements in reducing the risk of AMD progression. The AREDS2 formula, which substitutes beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin, has become the gold standard in AMD management. However, recent research has raised concerns about the quality and compliance of many supplements bearing the "AREDS" or "AREDS2" labels. A study published in Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology investigated the composition of supplements labeled as "AREDS" or "AREDS2" available in the online marketplace. Shockingly, the results unveiled a significant number of these products to be non-compliant with the AREDS2 clinical trials formula, which could pose risks to consumers relying on these supplements for their eye health.

Key Findings Out of the surveyed products, a staggering 30.8% did not adhere to the AREDS2 formula. The deviations from the recommended formula varied, with 14.2% missing at least one ingredient, 13.3% containing less of at least one ingredient, 17.5% containing more of at least one ingredient, and 15.8% including at least one extra ingredient not part of the AREDS formula. Surprisingly, a small fraction (5.8%) even adhered to the outdated AREDS1 formula, despite AREDS2 being the preferred and recommended choice. The Implications of Non-Compliance The misbranding of supplements is a matter of concern and may violate federal law, as per the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. Consumers unknowingly ingesting non-compliant products might not receive the desired benefits, potentially jeopardizing their eye health and leading to inaccurate dosing. It is essential for clinicians and patients alike to be cautious when selecting supplements and to choose only those adhering to the verified AREDS2 formula. Ensuring Quality and Reliability To safeguard their eye health, individuals must be vigilant when choosing AREDS2 supplements. Look for reputable brands that are transparent about their ingredients and dosages, and avoid products that use misleading terms such as "AREDS2-based" without adhering to the official formula. To assist consumers in making informed decisions, the study highlights some AREDS2-adherent brands, including:

Focus Select AREDS2 Based Formula Eye Vitamin & Mineral SupplementBausch + Lomb PreserVision® AREDS2 FormulaOJOSLABS Maculabs® AREDS2 Based FormulaVITEYES AREDS 2 Based Formula Macular SupportNature Made Vision with AREDS 2 FormulaSystane I-Caps® Eye Vitamin & Mineral Supplement AREDS2Visual Advantage Macular SupportTo read the original article, click here.

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month, and we'd like to share some important information about AMD with you. Read on to learn about the different types of AMD, the risk factors, and what you can do to protect your vision. What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a chronic and progressive eye disease that affects the macula, which is where your vision is sharpest. The macula is responsible for central vision, which allows seeing fine details clearly and therefore being able to perform daily activities such as reading and driving. As the macula degenerates, it can result in blurring, darkening, or distortion of one's central vision. AMD has become a leading cause of blindness in adults and primarily affects older individuals. There are two different types of AMD: dry and wet. Each type affects the eyes differently. Contributing Factors to AMD There are several risk factors that can contribute to developing age-related macular degeneration, including: Age - being 50 and olderFamily history of macular degenerationSmokingGenderRaceDiet - eating a diet high in saturated fatHigh blood pressure or hypertensionSun exposureDry AMD Most people who have macular degeneration have Dry AMD. Dry AMD is a slow deterioration of the cells in the macula over the years. These cells die off and are not able to be renewed. It can start in one eye before developing in the other, or in some cases, it may develop in both eyes at the same time. Vision loss is typically central, and people retain their peripheral vision. Some people have only mild central vision loss. In others, it can be more severe.  Dry AMD is characterized by tiny yellow deposits that form under the retina called drusen. Drusen can be detected using advanced imaging technology by your eye physician, which is why it's important to get your eyes checked every year.  Unfortunately, there is currently no medical treatment for dry AMD. However, a large scientific study performed by the National Eye Institute has shown that the antioxidant vitamins and zinc contained in Focus MaculaPro® supported eye health. Wet AMD Wet age-related macular degeneration develops when abnormal blood vessels grow into the macula leaking blood or fluid, which leads to scarring and rapid loss of central vision. Wet AMD symptoms usually appear suddenly and worsen at a fast pace. These symptoms may include the following: Visual distortionA blurred/blind spot in the center of your visionRequiring more light for readingDifficulty seeing in low lightColors not seeming as brightOverall vision is hazyApproximately 10% of people who have macular degeneration have the wet type. Though this type is less common, it usually leads to more severe vision loss than dry AMD. Wet AMD Treatments There are three medications used to treat wet macular degeneration: Avastin (bevacizumab), Lucentis (ranibizumab), and EYLEA (Afibercept). Each of these drugs targets a chemical in the eye known as vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF. Blocking VEGF reduces the growth of abnormal blood vessels associated with wet macular degeneration, slows their fluid leakage, helps to slow vision loss, and in some patients improves vision. Click here to learn more about anti-VEGF treatments directly from the American Academy of Ophthalmology®. Your retina specialist injects these medications directly into your eye in an outpatient procedure. Before the procedure, your retina specialist will clean your eye with Betadine to prevent infection and will use an anesthetic to numb your eye. You may need several injections over the course of many months to stop the disease. Long-term anti-VEGF treatment is often needed for sustained benefit. What you can expect after an ocular injection: Burning Sensation (from betadine, if this persists try using ocular lubricants as directed by your doctor)Blood on the white part of your eye (sclera) that may last several daysIrritation of the injected eye (again, from the betadine)Watering of the injected eyeLight sensitivityFloaters or bubbles at the bottom of your vision

Focus Vitamins has formulated Focus PI (Post-Injection) eye drops to provide relief from irritation associated with eye injections. As the first product of its kind, Focus PI helps soothe any eye discomfort you might experience after receiving ocular injections. Because of its highly viscous Hypromellose formula, Focus PI can be beneficial in both the management of post-injection eye irritation and the management of dry eyes.

AMD is not preventable. However, there are things you can do to help lessen its impact on your ocular health. Your macula contains an important protective substance known as macula pigment (MP). Your MP is composed of Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-Zeaxanthin. The first two are obtained from diet and found in corn, squash, broccoli, and leafy green veggies like spinach and kale. These nutrients can also be consumed in an ocular supplement, like Focus Select®.

You’ve probably been reminded to get your eyes checked every two years, but have you ever asked yourself why this is so important? Most of the time, people decide to visit an eye doctor when they notice a difference in their vision, and sometimes, it may be too late. Routine eye exams help doctors identify any existing eye problems, and additionally, your eye doctor can identify any signs of eye problems that develop without any obvious symptoms and can affect not only your vision but your overall health. Read more to learn the importance of getting your eyes checked on a regular basis. Avoid Vision Loss and Keep Eyes Healthy It may seem obvious, but eye exams are key to keeping your eyes healthy and avoiding complete vision loss. As we age our eyes start to weaken, our vision begins to change in subtle ways, and the risk of developing serious eye diseases increases. This is why it is so important to get your eyes checked regularly. Additionally, our eyes are exposed to elements that can affect our vision such as pollution, UV rays, and blue light on a daily basis. During your routine eye exam, your doctor can suggest specific ways to help you protect your eyes and keep them healthy.  Detect Other Diseases There are several diseases that can lead to complete vision loss without obvious symptoms - many of which can only be detected by an eye doctor. These diseases include but are not limited to the following: Glaucoma - According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma can lead to blindness if it is not treated appropriately. Unfortunately, glaucoma is not curable, but when detected early and with the right treatment, it is possible to stop further loss of vision. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) - AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60. AMD is an eye disease that causes the breakdown of the macula, which is the part of the eye that is responsible for central vision. Many people don’t know they have AMD until they notice a change in their vision and see their eye doctor. This is why regular eye exams by an eye doctor can help to detect the early stages of macular degeneration before you are aware of them. Although there is no cure for dry macular degeneration, there are supplements, such as Focus Select®,  that help slow down the progression of AMD in people with moderate levels of disease by 25%. Diabetes - Did you know that 34.2 million Americans have diabetes? Sometimes, people don’t realize they have diabetes because they are not showing any symptoms. This is when regular eye exams come into play. During an eye exam, the doctor takes a close look at the blood vessels in the eye. If they notice any damage in the blood vessels of the retina, they might diagnose diabetic retinopathy. If this is the case, the patient should speak with their primary doctor right away.  Glaucoma, AMD, and diabetes are just 3 of the diseases that can be detected by an eye exam. Other diseases are high blood pressure, cancer, thyroid disease, lupus, and more. Remember, early detection is key to prevention. Improve Your Quality of Life Nowadays, most of our daily tasks involve screens. Whether it’s smartphones, television, tablets, or computers, every day we interact with at least one of these. As a matter of fact, the average American spends around 17 hours of their day looking at digital devices. It is important to understand that extended periods of time spent in front of digital devices have a negative effect on the eyes. The blue light emitted from digital devices can lead to dry eyes and computer vision syndrome, which in turn cause dry and irritated eyes. If you believe you are spending too much time in front of a computer, phone or TV, make sure to communicate that to your doctor during your eye exam. They may suggest blue light blocking glasses or supplements that contain ingredients that help protect your eyes, such as Focus Blue Light.   

Focus Blue Light formula promotes healthy eye function by increasing macular pigment in the eye, and improves contrast sensitivity and glare to help the eyes quickly recover after use. It contains 20 mg of lutein and 4 mg of zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids that help protect vision. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late, schedule your eye exam today if you haven’t done so already. If you need help finding an eye doctor in your area, check out our Find a Doctor Tool! Even if you believe you have good eye health, you can avoid vision loss, detect other diseases, and improve your quality of life. Eye exams are as important as your annual checkup with your primary doctor!

Good nutrition is an imperative part of eye health. One of the most important nutrients is a carotenoid called zeaxanthin. Carotenoids are the molecules that give plants their colors, such as yellow, orange, and red. Zeaxanthin, in particular, gives a yellow color to plant-based foods such as corn, saffron, paprika, and more. There are around 700 carotenoids found in nature, but only zeaxanthin and lutein (another nutrient that helps protect vision) are deposited in high quantities in the eyes. As we age, those nutrients stop replenishing themselves, which is where a good diet comes into play. Read on to learn about the role zeaxanthin plays when it comes to eye health. Protects the Eyes from Blue Light When people think of blue light, usually what comes to mind are computers, tablets, or cellphones, but the truth is that blue light is everywhere. It can not only come from digital devices, but also from the sun and certain kinds of indoor lighting. Visible light contains a range of wavelengths and energy, and blue light is the one that contains the highest energy, which is why it is the most harmful to the eyes. Zeaxanthin, along with lutein, acts as a “natural sunblock” for the eyes by absorbing excess light energy.  A study from the University of Georgia concluded that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin increased macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and, in turn, improved people’s headache frequency, eye fatigue, and other visual performance issues often associated with excessive digital screen time. Focus Blue Light formula, which contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, is a natural filter of high-energy blue light. Our formula promotes healthy eye function by increasing macular pigment in the eye and improves contrast sensitivity and glare to help the eyes quickly recover after use. 

              Get Focus Blue Light

Protects the Skin Not only can blue light exposure affect the eyes, but did you know that blue light can also negatively affect the skin? Blue light exposure leads to changes in skin cells, including shrinkage and even death of said cells, which in turn speeds up the aging process and may also cause hyperpigmentation of the skin.  Aside from blue light, our skin is constantly getting exposed to elements, such as polluted air and chemicals in the environment, that can lead to skin damage. Because zeaxanthin is an antioxidant, it helps fight off damage from these elements by accumulating in the dermis and protecting the skin. Reduces the Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the United States and it affects more than 10 million Americans. Currently, there is no cure, but there are ways to prevent it and slow its progression. In fact, there have been many studies conducted that show the benefits of zeaxanthin and lutein can have when it comes to AMD. One of these studies, and perhaps the most known, is the AREDS2 study published in 2013. This study revealed that participants whose diets contained the lowest amounts of foods containing natural lutein and zeaxanthin experienced the greatest AMD risk reduction from taking the daily nutritional supplement. The table below shows foods that contain both zeaxanthin and lutein and should be included in people’s diet, whether or not they have been diagnosed with macular degeneration. 

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313592356_Lutein_and_Zeaxanthin-Food_Sources_Bioavailability_and_Dietary_Variety_in_Age-Related_Macular_Degeneration_Protection For people who have not been diagnosed with AMD, these foods are a great way to decrease the risk. For those who have been diagnosed, eating these foods can help slow down its progression, especially when paired with AREDS2 vitamins, such as Focus Select®.

Focus Vision Supplements announces a new partnership with Macular Degeneration Association. One of the principal missions of the Macular Degeneration Association is to provide education that empowers patients and their caregivers to live fuller and more comfortable lives with their vision diseases and challenges. You can learn more about their events by visiting https://macularhope.org/events.  Focus Vision Supplements is proud to be the only AREDS2 based supplement endorsed by the Macular Degeneration Association.

MDA also provides the opportunity to physicians to become leaders in the AMD community by earning the distinction, "Center of Excellence." Practices can learn more about this distinction by visiting https://macularhope.org/center.

The following is a recent profile in RetinaLink. The article was written by Nicole Sheeler and can be viewed here.

The first Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was presented in 2001 to the retina community at the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The well discussed and debated AREDS study was conducted by the National Eye Institute (NEI). The ongoing discussion is whether or not patients should take a multivitamin when there are early signs of wet or dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). RetinaLink contacted Dr. Gaurav K. Shah at The Retina Institute in St. Louis, MO to inquire about how he educates his patients on vitamins during their retina exam in his office.

RetinaLink (RL): Please explain the ongoing controversy with vitamin supplements for eye related disease and outline your conversation with your patients. Gaurav K. Shah (GKS): The controversy surrounding genetics and vitamin supplements continues to be discussed at meetings. My associates and I rely on the NEI studies as our guideline on vitamin supplements. The NEI AREDS studies are time tested and there are other studies that have different conclusions.  Currently, I am making my decision on the AREDS study and the recommendations of the AAO. Now as more data is analyzed, that might change, and we may do something totally different. In my opinion, that’s the best information we have in the retina community and I make my recommendations based on the NEI’s data. The data is the data. There is a healthcare delivery obligation to have a conversation with your patients about macular degeneration, the benefits of an AREDS supplement, the reason to stop smoking, and the importance of leafy green vegetables. The information you provide should be in context. All patients in your waiting area have a smartphone and can google WebMD to find out more about vitamin supplements and AMD. On average, I spend 1 to 2 minutes outlining supplements, provide a brochure and let the patient know they have options.

RL: Why do you recommend vitamins to your patients with AMD? GKS: Patients want to do “something”, so they get some health benefit. Patients in their 50’s and 60’s are healthcare addicts. I can select patients that will benefit from AREDS2 supplements. The reality is patients with macular scars don’t need supplements; however, a patient with large soft drusen and pigmentary changes should take an AREDS formulated supplement. Patients want empowerment regarding their health. The conversation I have with my patients is simple yet, informative. Take an AREDS formulation and stop smoking. They can choose to go to Walgreens, Costco or Wal-Mart an select their vitamins off the shelf or they can take a Focus® Select sample available in my office (chewable or non-chewable) and determine if they like the vitamin pill size and taste. We’ve broken down the daily cost for AREDS2 supplements and its approximately $ 15 to $ 20 per month which equals 3 to 4 cups of coffee. That’s a good return on investment for your eye health. RL: Please outline why your practice prefers Focus Select’s Concierge services. GKS: We have Focus Vision Supplements in our practice for our patients’ convenience. The Focus Select AREDS2 formulation was developed by retina specialists for retina specialists. My patients can receive their vitamins each month through the auto-ship program which offers convenience and they are always available versus running out.

RL: Why is Focus Select’s program easy for your patients? GKS: While counseling my patient, I highlight the patient benefits of taking an AREDS2 supplement. As the patient checks out, my front office staff advises the patient that they have three options. Get your vitamins from a local retailer.Our Retina Institute staff can assist with auto ship registration on Focus Vision Supplement website https://focusvitamins.com to ensure they add the credit card number and patient information correctly since the Internet can be overwhelming.Our staff assists the patient to navigate the Focus Vision Supplement website https://focusvitamins.com to type in their information and credit card number.An important note about Focus Vision Supplement products and the proceeds from these sales. The Retina Institute invests all proceeds in retina education. I continue to be an advocate for Focus Select because it is seamless for my patients; samples, auto ship and AREDS2 formulation developed by retina specialists for retina specialists. We can make a dent on AMD and give the patient something they can do for themselves. At the end of the day, it’s all about empowerment. To learn more about why Dr. Shah prefers Focus Vision Supplements, products and customized programs, e-mail Mike Harrington at [email protected] or for general inquiries, e-mail – [email protected] .

At Focus Vision Supplements, we are always seeking out new ways to help improve patients’ adherence, satisfaction, and long-term eye health. This is why we’ve created the Focus Select Chewable with those needs in mind. It features the same Focus Select formulation with a great citrus taste. The chewable is ideal for patients with difficulty swallowing or those looking for another option for their AREDS2 supplements. 

February is Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month. Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a chronic and progressive eye disease that affects the macula. The macula is where your vision is sharpest. AMD is a leading cause of blindness in adults and primarily affects older individuals. There are a number of symptoms characteristic of AMD, including: ·       A blurred/blind spot in the center of your vision ·       Requiring more light for reading ·       Difficulty seeing in low light ·       Colors not seeming as bright ·       Overall vision is hazy Contributing factors to AMD: ·       Family history of macular degeneration ·       Smoking ·       High Cholesterol ·       Sun exposure AMD is not preventable. However, there are things you can do to help lessen its impact on your ocular health. Your macula contains an important protective substance known as macula pigment (MP). Your MP is composed of Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-Zeaxanthin. The first two are obtained from diet and found in corn, squash, broccoli, and leafy green veggies like spinach and kale. These nutrients can also be consumed in an ocular supplement, like Focus Select.

This blog post features a story from NPR Morning Edition's Susan Stamberg. Every few weeks, the Smithsonian's American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. helps blind and low-vision visitors experience art with multiple senses. Participants on the tour include a range of limited vision abilities, from those born partially or totally blind to those that experienced their vision loss later in life. The specially trained docents use carefully crafted language and sensory memories to engage the multiple senses of the visually impaired visitors. Some works of art are able to be touched by the visitors when using special gloves. "The visitors move slowly through the museum, some "seeing" in their imaginations, others, with low vision, getting really close to the artwork to see it better with magnifying devices. The docents take questions about the art and the artists. Visitor Kilof Legge listens intently. He's taken lots of these tours. He has had macular degeneration since childhood and has deeply missed art. "For the longest time I really felt angry when I came into a museum," he says. "And hurt and insulted, almost. Because these are public places and I felt I was denied access." He says he is "grateful and excited" to have the art world opened back up to him through tours like these." The blog Eye Level gives a deeper look into these specialized tours. You can learn more about the perspective of the docents as well as the visually impaired visitors here: Art Museum Tours For Visitors Who Are Blind.  

Updated July 2022 You've likely heard that carrots are a great source of beta carotene, but did you know that there are other eye nutrients that will help improve your vision health? Green vegetables are an excellent source of lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C that can help boost your vision health. Darker shades of green, leafy vegetables will typically have more nutrients than lighter shades of green. Vegetables with higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin include the following:   broccoli brussels sproutscelery collardsgreen beanskale leaf lettucepeasspinachIf you are one of the many people who find it hard to eat green vegetables, there are other veggies that have high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamin C. These include: carrotschili pepperscornleekssquashsweet pepperssweet potatoestomatoesyams Including these vegetables in your diet can help you get the important nutrients your body needs, but sometimes a busy lifestyle makes it hard to keep up with food and nutrition. A multivitamin blend supplement can be added to your daily routine to help assure you are getting the nutrients you need to support immunity and an overall healthy lifestyle. Focus Multivitamin Gummies can help boost energy levels, support skin and heart health, and maintain or improve overall health.

Our team at Focus Vision Supplements regularly travels to conferences so we can meet retina specialists, opthalmologists, and optometrists as they learn more about their trade. We recently traveled to San Francisco for the annual conference of ASRS, the American Society of Retina Specialists. We were also able to reconnect with many of our retina specialists that make up Covalent Medical, LLC. In October we'll be headed to Chicago for the annual conference of AAO, the American Academy of Opthalmology. We'll have samples and giveaways available - stop by our booth if you're planning to attend! 

We love that our product promotes healthy vision for those with AMD, dry eye, and other vision related issues. One of the best parts of our job is getting to know our customers and their stories. We have the unique opportunity to form relationships with our doctors and their patients. Now we wanted to give you the opportunity to get to know us in our new series: “Meet Our Team”. First in our series is our Chief Operations Officer, Clint Worley. What was your experience with eye health before starting with Focus Vitamins? None what so ever. I come from a global operations background, that has allowed me to leverage that knowledge in the eye health industry. The best news is that I am surrounded by employees and partners that are some of the most hardworking and respected individuals in the retina community, and that helps a lot. We all learn from each other and complement each other’s skillsets nicely. What was your first job? My first job was when I was 16. I worked at a local golf course, driving the range picker and cleaning golf carts during the afternoon hours. The best part of the job was the benefit of free golf whenever I wasn’t working or at school. What city/state do you call home? Corning, NY is where I call home. Technically, it’s Big Flats, NY, but nobody has ever heard of that. Currently, my family and I reside in Gainesville, VA. Do you prefer your vacation to be at the beach, in the mountains, or in a city? My dream vacation would probably be in the mountains. Being off the grid is something that really helps me relax and unwind. What is your favorite quote? I have two: “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching” and “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters”. Both speak to me in terms of really understanding what is important and what is not. What is your ideal Saturday? My ideal Saturday would definitely happen in the fall, so I can watch my Virginia Tech Hokies play some football. After that, some play time with the family so I can be a kid again, followed up with a home cooked meal and s’mores by the fire pit. What person, alive or deceased, would you most want to have dinner with? Phil Mickelson, without a doubt. It’s hard to come by a sports icon that has represented the game and his career with the amount of class and respect that he has. He has done everything the right way, and I would love to hear how he has accomplished that.

Nutrients such as lutein/zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and omega-3s are important for healthy vision. Enjoy this recipe from the American Optometric Association; it's filled with these nutrients!  Servings: 4 Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil1 clove garlic, minced2 tablespoons lemon juice4 four-ounce tuna steaks (preferably sushi grade)1/3 cup red onion, minced2 oranges, peeled with all pith removed, and cubed1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and cubed1/4 cup cilantro, choppedjuice of 1 limesalt and pepper to tasteCooking Instructions: Blend olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice in a shallow pan. Add tuna, turn to coat evenly, cover and marinate for up to 1 hour.In a medium bowl, blend onion, oranges, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and salt & pepper. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 hour.Place steaks in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 2 minutes per side for medium rare (3 to 4 minutes per side for well done). Serve with salsa spooned over top.

Updated: 12/05/2023 Dr. Farr is sharing this delicious salad recipe with us to support healthy vision. Making 4-6 servings, this salad is great as a meal topped with grilled chicken or salmon. The dressing can be made several hours ahead and refrigerated. Spinach Salad with Berry Vinaigrette(Serves 4-6) Ingredients: 4 cups baby spinach  1/2 cup kale cut into thin strips 1 cup blueberries 1 cup strawberries 1/2 cup raspberries 1 apple (preferably Gala or Green) cored and sliced thin with skin on 1/4 cup dried cherries 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese 1/4 cup walnuts (candied if you wish) 1/3 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon Flax seed oil 2 tablespoons honey Directions: Place 1/2 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup blueberries, red wine vinegar, olive oil, flax seed oil, and honey in a blender. Blend until smooth. Mix the spinach with the kale and place in the center of plates. Garnish with the next seven ingredients and top with 2 tablespoons of dressing. Doctor’s Note:This salad is great as a meal topped with grilled chicken or salmon, as shown. The dressing can be made several hours ahead and refrigerated. Visit https://www.cookwithdoc.com/ for more recipes!

Nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein/zeaxanthin, folate, zinc, omega-3s, fiber, B vitamins, iron, and potassium are important for healthy vision. Enjoy this recipe from the American Optometric Association; it's filled with these nutrients!   INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce1 tablespoon sesame oil1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root2 tablespoons lemon juicepinch of red pepper flakes4 four-ounce skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" strips DRESSING: 3 tablespoons lemon juice1 tablespoon minced lemon peel2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil1 tablespoon honeysalt and pepper to tastecooking spray8 cups baby lettuce1 /2 cup thinly sliced red onion1 /2 cup julienned red bell pepper1 large mango, peeled, seeded, and diced2 tablespoons mint leaves, mincedCOOKING INSTRUCTIONS: Marinade: In a blender, whip soy sauce, oil, ginger, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Place chicken in a shallow pan and pour marinade over top. Turn to coat, cover, and refrigerate up to 1 hour.Dressing: Blend ingredients (lemon juice and peel, oil, honey, and salt/pepper). Set aside for flavors to blend.Spray a large, non-stick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook on each side for 2 minutes, or until done. Remove from heat.In a large salad bowl, toss lettuce, onions, and peppers. Add dressing and toss thoroughly.Divide onto 4 salad plates, top with chicken strips and mango. Sprinkle with mint leaves.Makes 4 servings.

Studies have found that Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to eye health. This recipe from American Optometric Association is filled with nutrition for your eyes. Smoked Salmon Pizza with Dill & Lemon Servings: 6 Ingredients:  Cooking spray2/3 cup fat-free sour cream3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill2 teaspoons lemon zest1 clove garlic, mincedPinch of red pepper flakesBlack pepper1 13.8 ounce can refrigerated pizza crust (such as Pillsbury Pizza Crust Classic)1 cup thinly sliced red onion6 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon1/4 cup peeled and thinly sliced cucumber Directions: Coat a pizza pan or cookie sheet with cooking spray. Set aside. Heat oven to 425°F.In a small bowl, thoroughly mix first 6 ingredients (sour cream through pepper). Set aside to let flavors blend.Remove pizza dough from tube. Knead until smooth, roll into a ball, and spread on a round pizza pan or cookie sheet until 12" round in diameter.Sprinkle onion evenly over top and bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool.Spread sour cream mixture over pizza crust, top with salmon and cucumbers.