Eye Health: Know Your Family History

When it comes to eye health, many individuals are unaware that certain conditions can be hereditary – meaning they can be passed down through generations of families. Your eye doctor may ask about your family history at your check-ups, but have you ever really investigated your family’s history of eye health? Conditions such as keratoconus, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, just to name a few examples, can run in families. So, it is important to know your family history when it comes to your eye health.

The risk of developing these diseases can be much higher than many would expect. For instance, those who have a family member with glaucoma are four to nine times more likely to develop the same eye disease themselves.[i]

Ask Questions

So, what can you do to take control of your eye health? You can ask questions. Take the opportunity at the next family gathering to ask about the eye health of your relatives. Find out if there is any history of eye diseases. If you find that there is—write it down! You’ll want to make notes about which disease and who does it affect in your family so you can share such information with your eye doctor. In particular, if someone in your immediate family has a history of eye diseases, be sure to speak with your eye doctor to learn about the symptoms you should look for and to further understand these eye conditions that you may have a higher risk in developing.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Not only should a person ask their family about their eye-related diseases, but they should also tell their family if they have a condition that had been confirmed or diagnosed by an eye doctor. In an effort to keep everyone healthier longer, it is important to always schedule at least a yearly eye exams, and encourage all family members to do the same!

Eye exams can detect a lot more than eye diseases. These exams can also show early signs of diabetes or high blood pressure, as well as many other systemic conditions. More frequent eye exams may even be beneficial for those over the age of 65, as conditions may be detected before they worsen and potentially lead to vision loss.

Laser Eye Surgery

Advancements in the eye health field have come a long way in recent years. For instance, those who have had vision problems their whole lives and had to wear glasses or contact lenses may now be able to explore the option of laser eye surgery with their eye doctors. The Custom LASIK eye surgery procedure consists of reshaping the cornea and changing the focusing power of the eye, which can improve or correct a person’s eyesight.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, LASIK surgery is not for everyone. However, the number of those who are eligible continues to increase each year. Due to advancements in laser and diagnostic technologies, those who were once denied this procedure may now qualify as LASIK candidates.

If you’d like to find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, schedule a free consultation at a location near you.

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[i] Glaucoma research foundation. (2017). Are you at risk for glaucoma? Retrieved from https://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/are-you-at-risk-for-glaucoma.php

Vision problems in the U.S. are steadily becoming a serious issue. Data suggests that as many as 21 million Americans have vision problems, and 80 million Americans have eye diseases that could potentially be blinding.[i] As vision loss becomes more and more common, it is important to take stock of what you can do as part of your eye care routine to prevent vision loss and eye disease. The good news is that there are numerous foods you can incorporate into your diet that can help maintain eye health throughout the years.

Eating well is good for the body, and that includes your eyes! When you choose a healthy diet, the same foods that will benefit your eyes will also have a positive effect on the rest of the body. This makes adopting a healthy diet a win-win. Let’s review some of the top ten foods for maintaining eye health.

1. Carrots

We’ll start with the most well-known veggie when it comes to eye health: the carrot. Most people will say that carrots are good for your eyes—but, do you know why? Carrots contain vitamin A and beta carotene. (Beta carotene is what gives carrots their orange hue!) Vitamin A is a component of the protein rhodopsin, which helps your retinas to absorb light.  It is an essential component of good vision.

2. Fish

Seafood in your diet can help support healthy eyes. Certain fish, such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, and oysters, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Eating as little as two 4-ounce servings of fish a week has been shown to correlate to the lowest risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).[ii]

3. Nuts and Legumes

Another food rich in omega 3’s? Nuts! These contain vitamin E, a good support for age-related eye damage. Nuts are an easy and portable snack, so stock up on these healthy treats! Good sources of vitamin E include almonds, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, and lentils.

4. Seeds

Like nuts, seeds also contain a high amount of omega-3’s, in addition to being a good sources of vitamin E. Look for chia seeds, flax seeds, and hemp seeds.

5. Citrus fruits, peppers, and squash

Citrus fruits are known for being rich in vitamin C. This antioxidant helps prevent age-related eye damage. Popular citrus fruits include lemons, oranges, and grapefruits.

Did you know some common “vegetables” are actually fruits that also contain vitamin C? For instance, bell peppers have the most vitamin C per calorie; plus, they are a good source of vitamin A and E. Squash contains lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, and zinc, and winter squash also contains omega-3’s and vitamin A.

6. Leafy green vegetables

You can’t go wrong including leafy green veggies in your diet. They are excellent sources of vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Popular choices in this category include broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts, and kale.

7. Orange fruits and vegetables

Leafy greens are great, but it turns out, orange fruits and veggie are also excellent for eye health! These include foods like sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, apricots, and mangos. These foods are high in beta-carotene to keep your vision strong.

8. Lean meat

For your overall health, you don’t want to consume too much fatty meat. However, lean meat is a good source of zinc! You can get this benefit from beef, chicken, and pork.

9. Eggs

The amazing egg! It contains zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These work together to increase the amount of protective pigment found in the macula, where your central vision is controlled.[iii]

10. Water and Green Tea

When you reach for a beverage, choose water or green tea to support your eye health.  Hydration is important for your body and your eyes, and it can help prevent dry eye. You can also opt for a green tea, which contains catcehins; these substances are what give green tea its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Those who already have vision problems should make an effort to mix these foods into their diets to ensure better eye health. However, those who want to improve or correct their eyesight can do so with LASIK eye surgery. This procedure consists of reshaping the cornea and changing the focusing power of the eye.

Not everyone will be a candidate for LASIK. However, the number of those who are eligible continues to increase each year. So, those who were once denied LASIK may now be candidates for the procedure.

If you’d like to find out if you are a candidate for LASIK, schedule a free consultation at a LASIK Vision Institute location near you.

 

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[i] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2017). Eye conditions at a glance. Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/eyes/ataglance

[ii] Warner, J. (2007). Eating fish may preserve eyesight. WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/eye- health/news/20070515/eating-fish-may-preserve-eyesight

[iii] Haddrill, M. (2018). What is age-related macular degeneration? Retrieved from https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amd.htm

 

Eat for Good Eye Health

It is important to protect your vision and practice good eye care. As we age, our eyes become more at risk for certain conditions. Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affect 10 million Americans.[i] When it comes to protecting against eye-related conditions and diseases, what a person eats can support eye health and prevent some of the risk factors.  Lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients found in certain foods, have been found to keep certain eye conditions at bay.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are yellow organic substances classified as carotenoids, which play a large role in photoprotection and coloration in plants. Both substances are strong antioxidants. The best foods to find lutein and zeaxanthin in are leafy green vegetables, as well as yellow fruits and vegetables. These substances offer many health benefits, but specifically, they can protect against eye damage and vision loss.

Every day, our eyes are exposed to light and oxygen. This leads to the production of damaging oxygen free radicals. Lutein and zeaxanthin neutralize these free radicals so they cannot damage your eye cells.[ii]

In fact, lutein and zeaxanthin are believed to help with several conditions, including:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Eye detachment
• Uveitis[iii]

With many research advancements, the eye health field has come a long way. The more we learn, the more steps we can take to protect our eyes. Don’t neglect your eye health! Incorporate foods with lutein and zeaxanthin, or even consider taking a supplement geared toward eye care.

If you are in need of vision correction, you may be considering LASIK eye surgery. In order to be a strong candidate for LASIK, you must have healthy eyes. This is just one more reason to be proactive and support your eye health by eating healthful foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin.

If you are interested in learning more about your Laser eye surgery options, schedule a free consultation at a location near you.

 

[i] American Optometric Association. (2019). Lutein & Zeaxanthin. AOA.org. Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/diet-and-nutrition/lutein

[ii] Koushan, K., Rusovici, R., Wenhua, L., Lee, F. R., & Chalam, K. (2013). The Role of Lutein in Eye-Related Disease. Nutrients. 5(5). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3708350/

[iii] O’Brien, S. (2018). Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Benefits, Dosage and Food Sources. Healthline.com. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lutein-and-zeaxanthin#eyes

 

Recent studies and statistics show eye health means a great deal to Americans, but some are still not doing what is needed to have lasting vision for themselves and their families. A survey conducted by Bausch + Lomb found that seven in 10 people would rather lose a limb than their eyesight, but they are not aware of the importance of an eye exam.[i] Many Americans believe that an eye exam is only needed for those who have vision problems, but in fact, annual eye exams are important for everyone as they allow doctors to spot early signs of certain diseases.

Now that you know the importance of eye health, you can focus on incorporating some of the following tips to easily fit eye care into your lifestyle.

Get regular eye exams

Many people wait to schedule an eye exam until they’ve suffered with vision problems for quite a while. However, vision problems are not the only reason to see your eye doctor. A healthy person should have an annual eye exam, regardless of whether or not he has perfect vision!

An eye exam can allow a doctor to detect much more than changes in your vision. Not only can eye exams detect high blood pressure, heart problems, or high blood sugar, but it can also detect early signs of eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration. Some of these conditions do not show early symptoms. Going to regular eye exams can mean early detection and a better chance to correct the problem or slow the progression. You don’t want to take chances when it comes to your eye health, so don’t neglect your annual eye exams.

Incorporate foods that support eye health

You already know that eating healthful foods is good for the body, but you may not have considered what it can do for your eyes. Certain foods are excellent for supporting your eyesight. Choose foods that are rich in vitamin C and E, lutein, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids to keep your eyes healthy and strong. You can find these vitamins and nutrients in leafy green vegetables, fatty fish (such as tuna and salmon), citrus fruits, eggs, and nuts.

Cut out the cigarettes

It is well documented that cigarettes are bad for your health overall, but did you know they also affect eye health? Research shows that smokers are three times more likely to get cataracts, experience macular degeneration, or experience uveitis than nonsmokers.[ii] These conditions can even lead to blindness, so there is no better time to ditch cigarettes!

Wear your shades

Sunglasses are for more than “looking cool.” A good pair of shades helps to block the sun’s UV rays from hurting your eyes. When selecting the perfect pair, make sure you opt for sunglasses with good UV protection. Choose a shape that is large enough to cover your eyes and go for shades with a wraparound style if you’re looking for extra coverage. You can even ask your eye doctor about the availability of UV contact lenses!

Don’t neglect your protective eyewear

There are a lot of situations where Americans ought to be using protective eyewear, and then don’t. Be sure you’re not forgetting to use protective eyewear when necessary. Protective eyewear includes things like eye guards, safety glasses, safety shields, and goggles. If your sport, hobby, or job requires protective eyewear, make sure to use it, every time!

Handle your contacts correctly

It has been found that many Americans do not follow the guidelines for handling and caring for their contact lenses. If you wear contacts, make sure that you’re removing and cleaning your lenses as required. Clean your contacts with the proper solution— not soap, not water, not makeup remover, etc. Improper care of your contacts can leave you at risk for certain eye infections, so contact-wearers: Don’t skimp on the cleaning!

It can be easy to take our eyes for granted, but you can’t take chances with something as important as your vision. If you take the simple steps listed above, you can take charge of your eye health and keep your eyes protected.

Are you considering improving your vision through LASIK eye surgery? Schedule a free consultation at a LASIK Vision Institute location near you.

 

i Bausch + Lomb. (2012). Global barometer of eye health. Retrieved from http://www.bausch.com/our-company/newsroom/fact-sheet
[ii] Rodrigues, A. (2018). How smoking harms your vision. All About Vision.com. Retrieved from https://www.allaboutvision.com/smoking/

As the baby boomer generation continues to reach retirement age every day, more eye doctors and specialists are trying to spread awareness about age-related eye problems and what patients can do to stave off certain issues and practice good eye care as they age. Many of the eye problems that people experience as they age can be prevented or at least lessened without the need for medical intervention. That’s good news; the power is in your hands to take control of your eye health!

How can you keep your eyes healthy while aging?

You can take positive steps today to protect your eye health. Here are a few eye care tips to keep age-related conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts at bay.

Get regular eye exams

It is important to get regular eye exams, as eye doctors can detect a number of conditions before any symptoms surface. If your doctor is able to diagnose your condition in an early stage, you’ll be in a better position to control the condition as well as slow any progress.

If you’ve had a LASIK procedure in the past, you should continue to get annual checkups, even if you’re not experiencing any issues. Remember, your eyes can continue to change with age, even if you’ve had LASIK, so don’t discount the importance of regular checkups as part of your eye care routine.

Use sun protection

If you’re out enjoying the sun, you must remember to protect your eyes. This means not only reaching for your sunscreen, but a hat and sunglasses as well! UV rays can damage your eye health, so opt for sunglasses with UV filters in the lenses. Choose sunglasses that are large enough to cover your eyes well, and, if possible, pick a style with some wraparound on the sides for optimum coverage.

In addition to your shades, you can also wear a wide-brimmed hat, especially if you’ll be outdoors for a lengthy period of time. The hat will provide additional protection and keep the sun off your face and eyes.

Eat well and add a multivitamin

It comes as no surprise that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will have positive benefits for your eye health. The antioxidants in certain foods can help lower the risk of some common age-related eye conditions, including macular degeneration and cataracts. Make sure your diet includes red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables, such as red peppers, carrots, corn, squash, and citrus, as well as dark, leafy-green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or mustard greens.

While there is no substitute for a healthy diet, you should also add a daily multivitamin. Pick a multivitamin that is right for your age, and be sure it contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc, as studies have shown these vitamins and minerals support eye health.

Is Laser Vision Correction an Option?

Those who have had vision problems their whole lives can also seek out a way to correct common vision problems. Individuals may want to ask their doctors about LASIK eye surgery, which can improve or correct a person’s eyesight. This quick procedure consists of reshaping the cornea and changing the focusing power of the eye. To learn more about laser vision correction, schedule a free LASIK consultation at a location near you.