Diet and Blindness
A M D or AGE
-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF BLINDNESS AMONG
OLDER AMERICANS. TODAY, THERE IS NO CURE AND TREATMENT ONLY SLOW ITS
PROGRESSION.
Exposure from the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight
along with metabolic activity, the macula contains many free radicals.
It is believed that antioxidants help the delicate macula.
The largest study to date, the Age Related Eye Disease (AREDS),
found benefit from a supplement mix that included vitamins C, E, A, zinc
oxide and copper. The AREDS supplement reduced visual loss by 29% in
people with intermediate or advanced AMD.
"This is an exciting discovery for people at high risk
for developing advanced AMD," said Paul Sieving, Director of the
National Eye Institute, “because these nutrients are the first effective
treatment to slow the progression of the disease.”
The supplements did not help people who started the
study without intermediate or advanced AMD in one or both eyes. Julie
Mares, an Ophthalmologic researcher who studies diet and vision
suggested that a longer or larger study might have found a benefit among
these milder cases.
"Many studies show that people who eat more leafy greens
have lower AMD," said Mares. Beyond AMD, antioxidants may also protect
against the biggest cause of blindness worldwide: cataracts, a clouding
of the eye's lens.
YELLOW PIGMENT IN VEGGIES
PROTECTS AGAINST EYE DISEASE
 Many
studies have suggested that plant pigments, called carotenoids, may
reduce the risk of AMD. A study at the University of Wisconsin involved
1,787 women, ages 50-79. It found that those younger than 75 who ate a
diet rich in the carotenoids lutein and
zeaxanthin had a lower risk of AMD.
These specific
carotenoids are found in corn, squash, egg yolks, broccoli, peas and
leafy green vegetables. "This exploratory observation is consistent with
a broad body of evidence from observational and experimental studies
that suggests that these carotenoids may protect against AMD," wrote the
authors of this new study.
WHAT YOU PUT ON YOUR PLATE NOW MAY HELP YOU SEE THE
PLATE LATER!
New research reveals foods that help protect against
leading age-related vision thieves
Glaucoma: Just one serving a month of
kale or collard greens or more than two servings of carrots a
week reduced the risk of glaucoma by more than 60% in a UCLA study of
1,000 women. Scientists believe that high levels of vitamin A and other
antioxidants in these veggies help protect crucial cells in the optic
nerve.
Cataracts: Adults who regularly drink orange
juice and also include C-rich foods such as red and green bell peppers,
tomatoes, and broccoli in their daily diet are 45 percent less likely to
develop cataracts, according to new research from Australia. Vitamin C
may help counteract the lens-clouding effects of light and heat.
Macular Degeneration: A recent study shows that
eating oatmeal, high-fiber cereals, and whole-grain breads cuts the risk
of macular degeneration by 39%. Complex carbs prevent blood sugar swings
that can damage delicate cells in the center of the retina.
DID YOU KNOW…?
Glaucoma is based on a mutation
in the GLC1A gene. It has a pre-genetic disposition and is passed down
through the generations.
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