A cataract is a condition where the lens of the eye grows opaque. However, the sight can be restored with surgery, which is relatively simple and almost always successful by replacing the lens with a plastic one.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMC) is not so easily corrected. The macular is in the centre of the retina, in the back of the eye. If its cells break down, blurry vision results. As the disease progresses, severe vision loss occurs.
Experts indicate age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over 65. No one understands why the disease occurs, and, unfortunately there is little that can be done to alleviate it.
Nutrition & Prevention for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
But don't despair. Research has produced some encouraging news suggesting a high consumption of certain vitamins and minerals, as well as beta carotene and related compounds that are found in leafy greens like spinach, may reduce the risk not only of cataracts, but of AMC as well.
Antioxidants, vitamin C and E, plus beta carotene and other carotenoids, seem to be the most powerful. There is some evidence suggesting minerals such as zinc may also be involved.
One old survey indicated people who ate the most beta carotene and other carotenoids, particularly as supplied by spinach and collard greens, had almost half the risk of macular degeneration, compared to those eating fewer carotenoids.
Experts suggested this may be due to the action of lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that appear to form a pigment that protects the macular from destructive forms of light.
Eye Disease Studies
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, in the United States indicated a similar reduction in eye disease risk for those with a high fruit and vegetable intake.
Vegetables and fruits like:
- Oranges
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Pumpkins
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes, and other vegetables are high in these important nutrients.
Nutrition & Prevention of Cataracts
Nutrition studies concerning cataracts have been less clear. Some researchers have found that taking multivitamins reduces the risk of cataracts, and that a high intake of antioxidants appears to ward off cataracts in some studies, but not in others.
For example, one study of 50,000 nurses found no protection from a high dietary intake of vitamins C and E, but a 30 per cent risk reduction with a high intake of beta carotene, and a 40 per cent reduction with a high intake of vitamin A, which the body also makes from beta carotene. However, this study also demonstrated if the nurses had taken vitamin C supplements for more than 10 years, their risk was reduced by 45 per cent.
One could interpret these results and conclude that a high intake of carotenoids and other antioxidants does prevent eye disease in some people, but some other element in the foods consumed by the nurses surveyed, or other health habits, may also be responsible.
In any event, good nutrition is associated with a reduce risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other ills, and maybe even eye disease. The best advice anyone could follow is to eat a diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables, as well as a variety of other vegetables, berries and fruits.
Eyesight is one of the most precious of the senses, and as we grow older, its preservation is important. So take care of your eyes and eyesight with regular yearly eye exams.
