Vision problems increase with age. By age 40, most people need reading glasses. By age 65-74, three quarters of people have a minor cataract or some glaucoma. After age 73, there is a 30% chance of macular degeneration.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT OR TREAT THESE EYE DISEASES?
Cataracts on the eyes can produce a clouding of the normally clear lens, halos around lights, blurry images and duller colors.
Prevention of Eye Diseases:
Lutein is one of the carotenoids, or yellow and orange pigments found in many fruits and vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, corn, squash and tomatoes. It can also be found in green leafy vegetables like kale, collards and bok choy. There is good evidence that lutein helps prevent cataracts. Also available in supplement form. Take a good lutein supplement daily!
Glaucoma develops when fluid in the eye does not drain through its normal channels. Pressure increases within the eye which can damage the optic nerve and destroy vision. Loss of peripheral vision, eye pain and redness, nausea and vomiting, and vision changes are all warning signs of glaucoma. Testing for glaucoma should be done every 3-5 years before the age of 45, and every 1-3 years thereafter, and yearly if you have elevated risk factors, including being of the African American race, having mild to moderate hypertension, diabetes, substantial nearsightedness or farsightedness, or if you have taken corticosteroids for a long time.
Eye Disease Treatment:
Surgery is most often used, but EXERCISE can also help. Walking briskly four times a week can reduce pressure in the eye by 20-30%.
Macular degeneration is the breakdown of the central portion of the retina. Symptoms include the inability to see fine detail directly in front of you, and the inability to recognize a familiar face across the room. Risk factors include age, family history, smoking, being of the Caucasian race, and high cholesterol.
Diseases of the Eye:
Sadly, there is no recognized treatment for macular degeneration. However there is prevention and that is what I highly recommend for you! Take a good multivitamin with plenty of antioxidants daily including: Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Beta-Cerotene, Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium, Lutein, Bilberry and Taurine.
This will go a long way in preventing macular degeneration and keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
Wishing you Better Health, Naturally,
Dr. Helen Pensanti
