Let your eyes see clearly
Imagine yourself in picturesque surroundings… being in that moment, senses heightened, your body enveloped in the warmth of the sun and the gaze of your eyes beholding the majesty of the landscape as its beauty takes your breath away.
Now can you imagine that same experience minus the ability to see what’s around you? Probably a much less impressive picture. Approximately 26 million people in the African region have a form of visual impairment. Of these, 20 million have low vision, and 6 million are estimated to be blind. It is estimated that 15% of the world’s blind population reside in Africa.1 This issue of News You Can Use focusses on nutrition to help maximize eye health so you can enjoy clear vision for a life filled with beautiful experiences.
EYE AY AY— WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
The eye is a very important organ in the human body, generating sensory impressions to help us understand the world around us. Some age-related eye changes may begin as early as your 30’s. Rampant increase in screen time in front of computers or on mobile devices is leading to an increase in dry eye symptoms—once prevalent only in the elderly, now being experienced in 48% of adult Americans.² Also, as we age, the shape of the eye lens changes and eyes produce fewer tears. The lens and cornea become less transparent and the field of vision shrinks. By the time you are 60 years old, your pupils could decrease to about one-third of the size they were when you were 20.3 In addition to physical deterioration of the eye, age-related eye damage accelerates through the accumulation of oxidative damage over many years. By age 65, nearly one-third of adults will experience age-related damage to their eyesight,4 and over 246 million people in the world have moderate to severe visual impairment. 5 Common types of vision loss include glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The leading cause of age-related central blindness is macular degeneration. Cataracts are also a frequent cause of damage to the lens, and can also result in blindness.
EYE HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS… The good news is that age-related vision loss is not inevitable. A growing number of clinical studies show that age-related vision loss can be prevented—with proactive action.
Foods that Protect Vision SEE The first thing you can do to maintain your eye health is eat a healthy diet. Poor nutrition predisposes people to developing cataracts.7 Foods that are loaded with phytonutrients for healthy eyes include:
Carrots, Red Bell Peppers, Pumpkin and Sweet Potato— these foods are rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A helps prevent night blindness and works with other nutrients to promote eye health.
Spinach and Kale—which are rich in carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin. These phytonutrients get into the lens and retina of your eye, and are believed to absorb damaging light.
Salmon, Sardines & Herring— these are wonderful sources of omega-3 fatty acids and may help provide relief for dry eyes and promote eye health.
Strawberries, Grapefruit and Brussels sprouts—these are wonderful sources of vitamin C. Additional food sources of vitamin C are also papaya, oranges and peppers. Turkey, Oysters and Crab— these are loaded with zinc, which is a critical nutrient for overall eye health. Zinc is also found in eggs, peanuts and whole grains.
Seeds, Nuts and Wheat Germ—these are loaded with healthy oils and vitamin E. Vitamin E has been associated with reduced risk for cataracts.
Nutrition to Support Better Vision
| Found in Pro Vitality and... | Nutrient | Eye & Vision | |
| Vitamin A&D 100 capsules | Vitamin A | Necessary for night vision | |
Vitamin B Co. SR 60 tablets | Vitamin B | Plays a role in reducing the risk of macular degeneration, and helps promote healthy blood flow in the retina | |
Vitamin C SR | Vitamin C | A large scale clinical study demonstrated that women using vitamin C for 10 years or more experienced a 64% reduction in the risk of developing cataracts | |
| Carotenoid Complex 30 capsules 90 capsules | Carotenoids | These carotenoids absorb light and safeguard against the oxidative effects of UV rays, and are present at high levels in the retina. Several large scale studies have shown that these carotenoids may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts | |
| Chelated Cal-Mag 90 tablets | Magnesium and Vitamin D | The eye has high metabolic demand, which over time can result in inflammation and cell loss, giving rise to visual decline. Vitamin D has been linked to protection against age-related macular degeneration. | |
| Vitamin E 200 I.U. 60 capsules | Vitamin E | Shown to reduce the progression of age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation, especially in combination with other antioxidants | |
| Omega-3 Salmon Oil Plus 90 capsules | Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Relieves dry eyes by promoting moisture in eyes and shown to prevent or slow the rate of progression of age related eye diseases and diabetic retinopathy. | |
| Chelated Zinc 100 tablets | Zinc | Zinc is highly concentrated in the eye and plays a vital role in bringing vitamin A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. Higher levels of zinc may interfere with copper absorption, which is why it’s also recommended to include this mineral as well |
