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Age-Related Eye Problems & the Foods That Can Help to Prevent Them

Age-Related Eye Problems and Food




Deteriorating vision is an inevitable part of aging, but eating a diet rich in antioxidants can prevent or combat many eye problems.


Who is Most Affected?


  • People age 50 and older

  • Smokers

  • People with a family history of eye problems

  • People with diabetes

  • Sun worshippers and gazers


Age-Related Macular Degeneration


Photo credit: Ventura County Lasik.

One of the most common causes of blindness in the United States and among White individuals is age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).  It is a gradual and painless deterioration of the tissue in the central portion of the retina called the macula. Blurring of central vision is usually one of the first symptoms but eventually side vision can also become impaired.


According to research published in November 2022 in JAMA Ophthalmology, it is estimated that 20 million people in the US have age-related macular degeneration. There are two types of AMRD:  Dry and wet.


Cataracts


Photo credit: World Wide Web.

Cataracts can develop when the lens, the transparent membrane that allows light to enter the eye, becomes yellow.  This can make your vision hazy, blurry, or cloudy when the passage of light rays are hindered. It’s similar to looking through a fogged-up or frosty window.  Most cataracts can develop in both eyes and are the result of getting older.  However, if you develop cataracts in your middle ages they are often small and do not impair your vision.


As cataracts grow, your ability to see things clearly reduces, making reading, writing, and driving, especially night driving, more difficult. If left untreated, the lens can become completely opaque, leading to blindness.


Foods That Harm


  • Red meat

  • Butter

  • Foods with saturated fats


Foods That Heal


  • Carrots

  • Corn

  • Red pepper

  • Dark leafy greens like kale or collard greens

  • Fish


Age-related eye problems are a natural part of life; however, with a proper diet you can prevent or combat these ailments for optium eye health.


Sources

1.  David B. Rein, P. (2022, December 1). Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration in the US in 2019. JAMA Ophthalmology. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2797921



3.  Berkoff, F. G., & Schwarcz, J. (2018a). Foods that harm, foods that heal: What to eat to beat disease and live longer. Reader’s Digest.







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