Our vision is one of those wonderful gifts most of us take for granted.
Taking good care of your vision is a vital aspect of healthy aging. Prevention and treatment can keep your eyes healthier and your eyesight clearer.
The three major eyesight risks we face as we age are glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition that develops when too much fluid pressure builds up inside of the eye. It tends to be inherited and may not show up until later in life. The increased pressure, called intraocular pressure, can damage the optic nerve, which transmits images to the brain. If damage to the optic nerve from high eye pressure continues, glaucoma will cause loss of vision. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause total permanent blindness within a few years.
While everyone is at higher risk of glaucoma after age 60, African Americans over 40 and Mexican Americans are more susceptible. If your parents suffered from glaucoma, make sure you get your eyes checked every two years. Once diagnosed, medicinal eye drops are used to preserve eyesight for as long as possible. Sometimes surgery is indicated to lower pressure in the eyeball.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the result of clouding over of the eye lens. Again, there is no pain and they develop slowly, usually after 60. Your vision becomes blurred because the cataract is like a frosted
glass, interfering with your sight. It is not a layer of skin that grows over your eye, despite what you may have heard. The majority of cataract patients can be treated successfully.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of visualization loss and blindness in people over 60. Age-related macular degeneration visualization loss occurs in the center of the eye due to degeneration in the retina.
Ways nutrition can preserve your eyes
Most treatments are begun only after these diseases are well under way. But what about a good nutrition to help prevent the deterioration of your eyesight ? There are many studies that show that what you eat and the supplements you take have an impact on the health of your eyes and prolong your years of healthy eyes.
Studies have shown that specific nutrients and herbs can help stop or prevent age-related visualization lossThe University of Melbourne pooled data from nine studies and found that a high intake of omega-3 may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by up to 38%. AMD is a degenerative retinal disease that causes central vision loss, leaving only peripheral vision. It’s also the leading cause of blindness.
Keep your eyes focused and your sight strong by consuming large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids
We recommend to eat omega-3 rich fish like salmon, sardines or anchovies at least twice a week. For extra insurance, we strongly recommend a high quality fish oil supplement.Researchers found that men consuming the most vitaminc reduced their risk for cataracts by about 1/3 compared to those consuming the lowest amounts of vitaminc. Women in the highest intake group reduced their risk by about 40%.
Good food sources of vitaminc include oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, red bell peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli. To get the protective amounts noted in this study, you’d have to consume about 4 servings a day of high-C foods.Eat carrots to have good eyesight. Most of us have heard this by now. It’s true that carotenoids found in vegetables like
carrots keep your eyes healthy. Lutein and zeaxanthin both are members of the carotenoids family and preliminary studies show that together they may fight off age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They also help by rebuilding macular pigment receptors and providing high antioxidant protection.
ginkgobiloba is a potent antioxidant and may improve blood flow in the eyes and possibly help with glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. It seems to improve pre-existing damage from “normal tension” glaucoma and improves color vision in those with early diabetic retinopathy.bilberry has been associated with improvement of night vision and preliminary research has indicated that bilberry consumption may play a role in inhibiting eye disorders, including cataracts and glaucoma.eyebright has been used for eyestrain and to relieve inflammation caused by infections. There is considerable evidence that anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds in the herb may be helpful in cases of conjunctivitis.
Exercise.
One study showed exercise could reduce the risk of wet age-related macular degeneration by up to 70%! Walking as little as 12 blocks on a regular basis can help. Physical activity reduces the type of inflammation that is associated with wet age-related macular degeneration.
Protecting your sight is vital if you want to ensure your health, wellbeing and ability to do things you enjoy as you age. Research has shown that the three leading causes of age-related vision loss are preventable with a sound diet and supplements. If you want to retain your ability to see clearly as you age, be sure that you are getting the nutritional support you need from nutrient-dense foods and supplements.
Be aware that any sight impairment can seriously affect your quality of life. Don’t take any chances. It’s never too late to start!
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