Home Bausch + Lomb Nutrition Enhancements Every Patient Should Know About

Nutrition Enhancements Every Patient Should Know About

Dr. Poteet in black turtleneck against black background
Dr. Poteet

When it comes to eye health, Julie Poteet, OD, MS, CNS, FOWNS, of Acworth, Georgia, is clear: Nutrition is medicine. Whether patients are dealing with early signs of macular degeneration or simply looking to support their eye health, Dr. Poteet emphasizes that small dietary changes can lead to big benefits. “Every patient deserves to know how they can protect their eyes through nutrition,” she says.

As part of her practice, Dr. Poteet takes a detailed family history for each patient, particularly looking for a history of eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). “When I have patients whose family members have AMD, they’re scared and worried,” she says. “They want to know what they can do. And there are things they can do.”

Here are six nutrition enhancements Dr. Poteet recommends to all her patients, with an emphasis on evidence-backed strategies.

FATTY FISH TWICE A WEEK

salmon, herring and avocado with nuts in bowls
Credit: fcafotodigital-getty.jpg

One of the most critical dietary recommendations Dr. Poteet offers is to eat fatty fish at least twice a week. “The National Eye Institute showed in post-hoc analyses of the AREDS and AREDS2 studies that Mediterranean-style dietary patterns rich in omega-3s from fatty fish significantly reduce the risk of AMD and geographic atrophy (GA),”22,23 she explains. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are excellent sources of these beneficial omega-3s, supporting not just ocular health but also cardiovascular health.12,21,24,25

LUTEIN AND ZEAXANTHIN SUPPLEMENTS

Patients often don’t get enough of the key nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which are critical for protecting the retina.26 “Most of us get only <2 milligrams of lutein a day, but our bodies need 5-30 milligrams,”7-9 Dr. Poteet explains. Supplements like Ocuvite for general eye health and PreserVision for patients with concerns about AMD contain these important nutrients.27-29

With ways to measure macular pigment as well as technology to detect earlier signs of AMD or GA, Dr. Poteet says that doctors can engage patients with evidence on how their disease is progressing.

OLIVE OIL AND NUTS

Dr. Poteet encourages her patients to embrace the Mediterranean diet, particularly the use of olive oil and nuts.20 “These are mainstays for maintaining healthy vision and reducing the risk of chronic disease,”20,30,31 she says. Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, these foods help fight the underlying inflammation that can contribute to AMD and other eye conditions.20,31,32

NUTRITION AND DRY EYES

Bausch + Lomb launched Blink™ NutriTears®, a first-of-its-kind supplement that hydrates eyes from within for long-lasting relief. Blink NutriTears® addresses dry eyes from the inside out and promotes healthy tear production.*§33

Blink NutriTears® is a proprietary blend of ingredients: curcumin, lutein and zeaxanthin and vitamin D. Curcumin targets a key underlying cause of dry eyes.* Lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants that support the health of the eyes.* And vitamin D supports the surface of the eyes and is often found in lower levels in people with dry eyes.*33

Dr. Poteet particularly appreciates that the supplement can help address dry eyes. “Dry eye is a progressive disease,34 so consider recommending Blink NutriTears® to patients at any stage of the dry eye management plan.”

 IN-OFFICE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

For patients struggling to navigate the supplement aisle, Dr. Poteet makes it easier by offering eye-specific nutritional supplements in her office. “There’s a compliance issue when patients are left to find products on their own,” she says. By recommending and stocking brands like Blink NutriTears®, Dr. Poteet ensures that patients have access to supplements with proven benefits for both the front of the eye and the retina.

 A WHOLE-BODY APPROACH

While supplements play a role in supporting eye health, Dr. Poteet is clear that they are not a replacement for a healthy diet. “You can’t supplement your way out of a poor diet,” she tells patients. Instead, she advocates for a whole-body approach, integrating a nutritious diet with targeted supplements when needed. “Every time we eat or drink, we’re feeding disease or we’re fighting it,” she tells patients, counseling them to be mindful about their nutrition.

Ultimately, Dr. Poteet believes that the combination of personalized eye care and nutrition counseling strengthens her practice and elevates the care she provides. “Talking about nutrition with patients is practice-building,” she says. “They tell their neighbors, and I get referrals because I’m providing options that go beyond prescriptions and surgery.”

For Dr. Poteet, the message is clear: Eye health starts with what’s on the plate. “Every time we eat or drink, we’re either feeding disease or fighting it,” she says. “With the right nutrition, patients can take charge of their vision and protect their sight for years to come.”

 

See more stories from WO and Bausch + Lomb here.

 


*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


  • Based on a clinical study

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OTC.0009.USA.24

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.

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