eye health & disease prevention

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Eye Health & Disease Prevention:

Millions of Americans have undetected vision problems that may lead to poor eyesight. Some eye diseases have no symptoms & may go undetected for years if not examined on an annual basis.

The most common eye problems are as follows:

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S., affecting approximately 2.2 million Americans age 40 & older. In fact, 50% of the patients that have glaucoma in this nation do not realize it. Glaucoma may be associated with an increase in the fluid pressure inside the eye. This increase in pressure can damage the optic nerve & cause vision to fade. While it is not preventable, it is treatable. The earlier it is detected, the less damage it can cause & the longer you will protect your vision.

Cataracts

A cataract is the gradual clouding of the lens within your eye. This can be due to many factors, including cumulative exposure of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Wearing high quality sunglasses that block UV rays is an excellent choice to prevent this disease.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in America of people over the age of 55. The macula is where our sharp, detailed, & color vision is location. Those with AMD experience blurred vision and the inability to see clearly images in front of them. Nutritional therapy has been shown to be the best way to slow the progression of macular degeneration.

Questions & Answers concerning disease prevention:

Q. How do sunglasses help prevent eye diseases?

A.Sunglasses protect the sensitive skin surrounding the eyes from sun damage that can lead to skin cancers. Also, they protect against damaging sun-rays that often lead to cataracts & macular degeneration.

Q. Can vitamins help keep eyes healthy?

A.Yes. Deficiencies in various vitamins such as vitamin A, C, E, & Beta Carotene, & the B-complex vitamins are particularly important. Severe deficiencies can result in ulceration and distortion of the cornea & lead to blindness. As well, there are certain minerals that are important to eye-health, in particular, Zinc & Selenium, which help slow the progression of macular degeneration. Plus, the amino acids Glutathione & Taurine are particularly important in cataract prevention & protection against ultraviolet light. For further consideration, refer to: Vitamins for Chronic Disease Prevention in Adults.pdf or Vitamin Supplement Cataracts.pdf

Q. What is Lutein & how can it improve eye health?

A. Lutein is a Carotenoid found in foods such as broccoli, collard greens, kale, & spinach. Lutein & its isomer Zeaxanthin are concentrated in the retinal macular pigment & are the only Carotenoids present in the human lens. Research shows that a high intake of Lutein & Zeaxanthin have been associated with a reduced risk of both cataracts & macular degeneration. For further consideration, refer to: Dietary Carotenoids and Risk for Age ARVO 2004.pdf or JANA Lutein.pdf

Q. Can vision be improved or can disease be prevented with good nutrition?

A. Certainly. Several studies conclude that loss of vision can be improved when optimum nutrient levels are restored.

Q. Where can I find more information regarding Eye Health?

A. Visit www.aoa.org for more information.