It’s never too early to consider the health of your eyes. Whether or not you have experienced vision problems in the past, taking the initiative to have a better sense of preventive eye care can help avoid serious eye conditions in the future. As with any important organs in your body (heart, skin, bones, etc) being able to detect eye problems early on may offer more efficient treatment options. According to VisionProblemsUS.org (An online database of adult vision impairment reported by the organization Prevent Blindness America) “the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness in the United States are primarily age-related eye diseases.” Of the U.S. population of about 142 million, a staggering 89.4 million have some type of vision impairment, and that number is growing every year. While there is no proven cure for eye disease, new nutritional research shows that nutritional intervention is effective at slowing, stopping and even relieving untreatable eye diseases.
Part of any healthy regimen is nutrition. As most eye problems are linked to age, it is important to start forming a consistent diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables with high levels of antioxidants. Now the concept of taking in high levels of antioxidants may not restore vision that was already lost, but it can hinder or prevent new symptoms from developing. In the Beaver Dam Eye Study, a 20-year long examination, scientists examined the intake of antioxidant nutrients and those who consumed foods high in antioxidant vitamins had a diminished risk of developing cataracts.
Taking the initiative to quit smoking has also been known to have significant benefits in eye health for any age. Studies show that smokers are at a higher risk for developing eye diseases. Quitting smoking can not only help you avoid the high risks of diminishing eyesight, but can also help you avoid a variety of other health issues. [The risks can be deadly for an unborn child, from forcing premature labor or retinopathy of prematurity as well as other health problems.]
Daily intake of lutein and zexanthin is important for maintenance of good eye health. Lutein and zexanthin are the only carotenoids found in the eye, and research shows that these can help protect vision by protecting against cataracts and age related macular degeneration (AMD). These compounds are normally found in colorful fruits and vegetables including kale, spinach, corn, eggs, broccoli, and oranges.
Take advantage and start thinking about nutrition for a better state of eye care, before it’s too late. Before taking any supplements or [unnatural] vitamins, consult a physician for further knowledge, but putting yourself in a better, healthier mindset is the best decision you can make to have long lasting, healthy and functioning eyesight.