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PROMOTING
EYE HEALTH
August 2005
A beautiful sunset, children playing, historic works of art. It is easy
to take all these sights for granted when our eyes are healthy. But for
many, eye health is a great concern. As we age, our eyesight is likely
to diminish; however, symptoms of eye problems are not limited to decreases
in vision. Some people may also experience changes in appearance of the
eye, or changes in sensation of the eye.
Eye symptoms typically develop because of a problem in the eye but occasionally
may indicate a problem elsewhere, particularly in the brain. Common causes
of changes in vision include blockage of the blood supply to the retina,
diabetes, optic nerve disease and glaucoma.
Many changes in vision can be corrected with glasses or adequate lighting;
however, there are conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration
that may permanently affect vision or lead to blindness without surgery
or early treatment.
Although we cannot control genetic predisposition and aging, there are
other contributing factors that influence eye health that we can change,
mainly our lifestyle and diet. Let's take a closer look at these factors
that play an important role in promoting eye health.
COLOR YOUR PLATE WITH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
We all know that carrots are a great food to help
us keep our eyes healthy. But what else can we eat to ward off eye problems?
Research indicates that a diet rich in a variety of colorful fruits and
vegetables may reduce the risk of eye disorders. This appears to be attributed
to the antioxidant properties of vitamins A and C as well as the pigments,
called carotenoids, in produce. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids
that may provide protection against macular degeneration. Other nutrients
that may play a role in maintaining eye health are zinc, copper and vitamin
E.
Eating 5-9 servings of produce daily can contribute to healthy blood vessels
for proper blood flow to the eyes and brain and decreased damage to our
cells, helping all of our organs to function properly.
• Kiwi, pumpkin, zucchini, spinach, yellow squash and bell pepper
are good sources of lutein, while zeaxanthin is found in orange bell pepper,
corn, oranges and mangos.
• Citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries and peppers are rich in vitamin
C; and broccoli, spinach, sweet potato and carrots are excellent sources
of vitamin A. Cantaloupe and broccoli are rich in both!
• Almonds and wheat germ are good sources of zinc and vitamin E;
sunflower seeds and meat provide zinc and copper.
If
you are considering taking supplements, check with your physician first.
LIFESTYLE
PLAYS A KEY ROLE
Life-long practices that can
preserve eye health include:
- Monitor your blood pressure & cholesterol.
- Exercise regularly and do not smoke.
- Protect eyes from ultraviolet light.
- See an eye care professional regularly.
- Consume a produce-rich
diet of 5-9
servings daily.
CNS/RQA/CA,
Inc. June 2005
NOURISHING NEWS ARCHIVES
December
2004 Newsletter
November
2004 Newsletter
October
2004 Newsletter
August
2004 Newsletter
©CNS/RQA/CA, INC
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