Cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration are three of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. Age-related macular degeneration is seen more frequently in people who smoke, do not exercise regularly and have a poor diet. Macular degeneration is associated with a low functioning immune system, cardiovascular disease, inflammation and an overall poor health profile. Scientists have found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, vitamins A, C and E and essential fatty acids is a very important tool to keeping your eyes healthy. They also found that aerobically exercising three to five times a week is critically important. Refraining from smoking and keeping your weight at a healthy level, along with regular eye exams, are two other important keys to keeping your eyes healthy for lifetime.
Good Nutrition
A healthy diet with lots of fiber, low fat protein sources, fruits and plenty of fresh vegetables will nourish your eyes and help you maintain your eye health through your golden years. Vitamin A that is plentiful in carrots will help to prevent blindness, and vitamin C may help to prevent glaucoma. Refraining from smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and getting plenty of vigorous exercise will also help you support the health of your eyes.
Another very important nutritional component to maintaining your eye health is the inclusion of essential fatty acids into your daily diet. These life-enhancing fatty acids are found in fish and flax seed oils, as well as cold-water fish such as salmon and sardines. Other important nutrients for your eyes are selenium and vitamins A, C and E. Bilberry has also been proven to help your eyes stay healthy and to regenerate the delicate capillaries around the eye nerves and muscles. Bilberry contains vitamins C and A as well as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins help to carry nutrients to the eye nerves and muscles.
Regular Exercise and a Healthy Body Weight
Scientists have found that maintaining a healthy body weight and engaging in a regular program of vigorous, aerobic exercise will help to lessen an individual’s chance of developing eye disease. With regular vigorous exercise, your body’s circulation is increased, you burn off more toxins and lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. Your body, in essence, will function more optimally if you exercise aerobically on a regular basis.
Scientists believe that the positive findings on eye health of vigorous exercise also correlate to a moderate level of exercise, although the more vigorous the exercise, the more your body circulates fresh blood and nutrients throughout your entire body, including your eyes. This increased circulation will help to keep your eyes in tip-top shape.
Although age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma do not generally develop until mid-life, it is wise to eat well and engage in a regular exercise program in order to prevent the development of eye diseases in later life.
Sara Roberts writes for Just Eyewear, a discount eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses online retailer.
