We've all heard the expression "eating with your eyes," but many
people may not be aware of the benefits of eating for your eyes. In
addition to promoting overall health, a diet rich with sight-saving beta
carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and certain
vitamins can also help guard against vision loss from eye disease, such
as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
AMD diminishes central vision and currently affects the
vision of more than 2 million Americans, ages 50 and older
and is a leading cause of blindness. AMD is a progressive
disease that if left untreated, can result in severe vision
loss and even blindness. The exact cause of AMD is unknown,
but risk factors for the disease include age, race, smoking,
family history as well as those with cardiovascular disease
and hypertension.
A wide variety of foods including lentils, grapes, carrots,
bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, kale,
certain kinds of fish, turkey and some kinds of nuts, have
been shown to aid eye health. Although there are a variety
of available over-the-counter supplements designed for
vision and eye health, a doctor should always be consulted
before use.
Foods that contain refined starches and are high in sugar
can be damaging to vision. A study by Tufts University
showed that high-glycemic foods cause a dramatic rise in
blood sugar, which over time, may damage the retina and
capillaries in the eye by promoting oxidative stress and
inflammation. Soda and sugary drinks, candy, baked goods,
some cereals, white rice, foods made with white flour, such
as white bread and pasta, should be avoided.
According to the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, more
than one serving per week of beef, pork, or lamb as a main dish is
associated with a 35 percent increased risk of macular degeneration
as compared with less than three servings per month. Additionally,
one serving per day of high-fat dairy food, such as whole milk, ice
cream, hard cheese, or butter, also increases the risk of macular
degeneration progression.
"We all know that watching what we eat can lead to overall health
benefits such as lower cholesterol and a reduction of calories, but
maintaining a healthy diet, day after day, can be very challenging,"
said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America.
"Prevent Blindness America hopes to encourage the public to remember
that everything we put in our mouths can affect our eyes!"
Other healthy habits can lead to healthy vision. The risk of eye
disease and vision loss can be lowered by:
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Avoiding trans fats
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Quitting smoking
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Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
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Exercising regularly
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Visiting an eye care professional on a regular basis
In conjunction with February as Age-related Macular Degeneration
Awareness Month, Prevent Blindness America offers a dedicated online
resource for patients and caretakers to learn more about the
disease. The website,
preventblindness.org/amd, offers a variety of tools and
information on everything from risk factors, treatment options, and
even a downloadable Amsler Grid, (a tool that can help identify
vision abnormalities linked to AMD).
For more information on AMD and other eye disease, please contact
Prevent Blindness America at (800) 331-2020 or visit
preventblindness.org.
-Reprinted with permission of Prevent Blindness America
