I try to take a Lutein and Zeaxanthin supplement daily, and have only started wearing sunglasses more regularly in my senior years. I should have been doing that a long time ago. More HERE.
While vision problems become more common with age, it is possible to help protect eyesight naturally.
One of the best ways to reduce the risk of developing cataract, the most common vision-robbing condition, is to wear a brimmed hat and high-quality sunglasses whenever outside—even on cloudy days. (Not smoking, another cataract risk factor, is a no-brainer.)
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends wraparound shades that block 100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays. And always wear protective goggles when engaged in activities that pose an eye injury risk, such as using a chainsaw or playing racquetball. (Some medications, such as statins and antibiotics, can make the eyes more sensitive to light; discuss such risks with your practitioner.)
EXPERT OPINION: Nature did not intend for humans to be exposed to so much UV light. The ozone layer in the atmosphere absorbs far-UV light, but the ozone layer has been damaged by air pollution—Robert Abel, Jr., MD, author of The Eye Care Revolution (Kensington)
Living an overall healthy lifestyle is crucial, too. Exercise has long been known to reduce blood sugar levels, which helps lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Some studies suggest physical activity may also reduce one’s risk of developing AMD. In addition, exercise has long been known to ease stress, an under-appreciated cause of poor eyesight.
EXPERT OPINION: Most people don’t realize that the commonest form of glaucoma is a disease of stress. An essential component in treating and preventing glaucoma is dealing with stress appropriately—Abel
Spending so much time staring at screens can lead to eyestrain. It’s a good idea to look away from computers, cell phones and such periodically to give your eyes a chance to rest and refocus.
EXPERT OPINION: In every part of the world, people with poor digestion and chronic bowel problems have a fourfold higher incidence of cataracts—Abel
The two most helpful are lutein and zeaxanthin, members of the carotenoid family found in eggs, leafy greens and other foods. Concentrated in the macula, lutein and zeaxanthin help filter the high-energy blue light that promotes lens and retina damage, and have been found to reduce the risk of chronic eye disease, including AMD and cataract. (Another carotenoid, astaxanthin, has also been found to protect retinal cells.)
EXPERT OPINION: Lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to reduce cataract formation by approximately 20%—Abel
Plant compounds called anthocyanosides appear to help protect the retina. A blueberry relative called the bilberry, which is a rich source of anthocyanosides, has long been used in traditional medicine to promote better vision.
Leafy greens contain vitamin C while nuts supply vitamin E; as powerful antioxidants they also help defend tissues within the eye against harmful free radicals. What’s more, omega-3 fatty acids—most notably found in fish and krill oils—have been found to help protect the macula in addition to reducing inflammation, a key factor in many chronic ailments.
While vision problems become more common with age, it is possible to help protect eyesight naturally.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends wraparound shades that block 100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays. And always wear protective goggles when engaged in activities that pose an eye injury risk, such as using a chainsaw or playing racquetball. (Some medications, such as statins and antibiotics, can make the eyes more sensitive to light; discuss such risks with your practitioner.)
EXPERT OPINION: Nature did not intend for humans to be exposed to so much UV light. The ozone layer in the atmosphere absorbs far-UV light, but the ozone layer has been damaged by air pollution—Robert Abel, Jr., MD, author of The Eye Care Revolution (Kensington)
Living an overall healthy lifestyle is crucial, too. Exercise has long been known to reduce blood sugar levels, which helps lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Some studies suggest physical activity may also reduce one’s risk of developing AMD. In addition, exercise has long been known to ease stress, an under-appreciated cause of poor eyesight.
EXPERT OPINION: Most people don’t realize that the commonest form of glaucoma is a disease of stress. An essential component in treating and preventing glaucoma is dealing with stress appropriately—Abel
Spending so much time staring at screens can lead to eyestrain. It’s a good idea to look away from computers, cell phones and such periodically to give your eyes a chance to rest and refocus.
EXPERT OPINION: In every part of the world, people with poor digestion and chronic bowel problems have a fourfold higher incidence of cataracts—Abel
The two most helpful are lutein and zeaxanthin, members of the carotenoid family found in eggs, leafy greens and other foods. Concentrated in the macula, lutein and zeaxanthin help filter the high-energy blue light that promotes lens and retina damage, and have been found to reduce the risk of chronic eye disease, including AMD and cataract. (Another carotenoid, astaxanthin, has also been found to protect retinal cells.)
EXPERT OPINION: Lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to reduce cataract formation by approximately 20%—Abel
Plant compounds called anthocyanosides appear to help protect the retina. A blueberry relative called the bilberry, which is a rich source of anthocyanosides, has long been used in traditional medicine to promote better vision.
Leafy greens contain vitamin C while nuts supply vitamin E; as powerful antioxidants they also help defend tissues within the eye against harmful free radicals. What’s more, omega-3 fatty acids—most notably found in fish and krill oils—have been found to help protect the macula in addition to reducing inflammation, a key factor in many chronic ailments.
