Vision loss associated with age is an important public health concern that seems to be growing. The National Institutes of Health reports that age-related macular degeneration and cataracts are two vision disorders that affect more than 25 million people, and this number is expected to triple in the future. Nutrition is a modifiable lifestyle factor that may promote eye health and reduce the risk of these growing eye disorders.
Significance
Similar to many organs within the body, the eyes are influenced greatly by the foods you eat. The Yale University New Haven Teachers Institute reports that a well-balanced diet consisting of healthy food options is vital for the development and maintenance of vision. Certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in foods are reported to support eye health, reports the Institute. Consult a health care provider and a registered dietitian for the best treatment and food options based on your condition.
Types of Vision Disorders
Age-related macular degeneration and cataracts are the two main types of vision disorders affecting Americans, according to statistics from the National Institutes of Health. Vision impairment increases with age, and as the average lifespan of individuals increases, so will the development of vision disorders, reports the NIH.
Benefits of Antioxidants
The American Optometric Association reports that certain nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, vitamin C and zinc have been associated with reducing the risk of vision impairment. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two important antioxidants found in eggs and green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and broccoli. Vitamins C and E, found in a variety of citrus fruits and nuts, have been associated with slowing the progression in vision loss and protecting cells from damage, reports the AOA. A clinical study titled "The Age-Related Eye Disease Study," or AREDS, evaluated the effects of certain nutrients and the risk of vision disorders. The results of the AREDS showed that Zinc combined with antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and beta-carotene was shown to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration by 25 percent. The combination of antioxidants and zinc was also reported to decrease vision loss among test participants by 19 percent, the study reported.
Healthy Food Options
MayoClinic.com recommends a variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich sources of antioxidants and other vitamins necessary for vision health. Healthy fats such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats found in many nuts and vegetable oils are recommended over saturated and trans fat foods. Fish such as salmon and tuna are also great food sources of healthy fats and essential omega-3 fatty acids. MayoClinic.com reports that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce vision loss. Other healthy food options such as whole-wheat grains and cereals are recommended over white or refined grains.
Considerations
The antioxidants found to be beneficial in the AREDS can be found in a variety of healthy food options. However, formulations of the antioxidant formula and dietary supplements are also available. The National Institutes of Health recommends discussing with your doctor first before taking high-dosed supplements and to ensure the best formula for your condition. High-dose vitamin formulas may interfere with numerous prescription drugs, so treating yourself is not recommended unless under the supervision of a health care provider.
