Common Eye diseases that are age related such as cataracts and age related macular degeneration can cause significantly poor vision. In this article you may find ways that can prevent these diseases from happening with an emphasis on diet.
It is worth starting off with one of the most important things you can do – have regular eye tests at the opticians. Surely you’d want to know what your risks of developing certain age related are. Equally so, if a condition has been detected early enough, treatment may be more effective.
Diet plays a huge role in eye health. Leafy green vegetables and colourful fruits help prevent age related eye problems. At least 5 of these daily is a good starting point.
Antioxidants are compounds that protect your eyes by reducing free radical damage, which is what may cause age related eye diseases. So where can you get these so called antioxidants that do so much good for the eyes? Lutein is the key ingredient. This can be found in peas, broccoli, spinach and generally any dark green leafy vegetables.
Another important part of your diet should include essential fatty acids. This includes omega-3 found in fish and flaxseed oil. These are great to help prevent dry eyes and its related symptoms. Of course, drinking plenty of water daily contributes to helping this too.
Carrots contain vitamin A – essential for reducing age related eye problems as well as the antioxidant vitamin C.
Just as important as diet is in preventing age related eye diseases, so are vitamins and supplements. Studies have shown that the combined effects of beta carotene, vitamin C, zinc and vitamin E reduced the likelihood of developing age related macular degeneration in those at high risk.
With regard to reducing cataract formation, studies have also shown that folic acid and vitamin B12 as part of daily multivitamin intake have gone a long way to achieve this. Please note that if you decide to take any dietary supplements it is best to contact your doctor first to ensure safety.
I’m almost 60 so this caught my attention. I try to live healthy but after reading this post I realize I had best be taking vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements. My eyesight isn’t all it could be.