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
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
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
2. What is dry macular degeneration?. EverydayHealth.com. (n.d.). https://www.everydayhealth.com/macular-degeneration/dry-macular-degeneration/
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.