How to Prevent Vision Loss - Eat Right

If you've been having trouble reading and frequently have to use your computer browser's text-size function to increase the print, then perhaps you should be looking to feasting your eyes on food instead.

Don't take clear vision for granted and wait until it starts deteriorating. Sight is critical for many things, such as driving, reading, face recognition and doing work which involves intricate detail. As we age, sight deterioration can greatly reduce and hinder your quality of life.

Interestingly, most sight loss occurs due to poor eating habits as we continue to age. A healthy intake of vitamins and minerals are recommended for people struggling with developing or advanced vision degeneration. A right and proper nutritional intake can help many of us to prevent unnecessary age-related eye diseases.

Carrots are good but not enough

A healthy macula (a part of the retina in the eye) carries high concentrations of two substances named zeaxanthin and lutein, commonly called carotenoids. Lutein, which is the most significant of these two carotenoids, starts to decrease as we progressively become older.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the risk of macular degeneration can be reduced by 43% with an intake of six milligrams of lutein per day. This can be achieved by a food consumption of five to eight servings of vegetables and fruits daily, such as zucchini, spinach, romaine lettuce, corn, kale, collard greens, peas and brussels sprouts. Lutein can also be available in dietary supplements.

As well, zeaxanthin and lutein serve as antioxidants by protecting the eye retinal tissue from a degenerative process called oxidation. If there are not enough antioxidants in the body, there is a significant risk-increase of macular degeneration. (Refer to Source links for more on anti-oxidants).

Vitamin C, which can be obtained from various vegetables and citrus fruits, is one of the most important water-soluble antioxidant in the body. As well, Vitamin E, which can be obtained from spinach, peppers, olive oil and nuts, is the most important fat-soluble antioxidant in the body. Minerals also play a key role in the prevention of macular eye disease or degeneration, such as zinc, copper and selenium.

Overall

In short, the most vital and significant vitamins and minerals which can prevent macular degeneration or eye disease, are vitamins C, E and zinc. These, including zeaxanthin and lutein are significant in maitaining and keeping healthy eye-sight.

The best way to obtain these nutrients is through a proper eating-diet consisting of lots of fish, seeds, nuts, fresh fruit and dark green leafy vegetables. With proper nutritional maintenance of keeping a healthy food diet, macular degeneration can be avoidable.

Vision is a sense which should never be taken for granted.

Sources:
JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) - Lutein
Antioxidants