Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Food For Healthy Eyes: Why You Need Lutein and Zeaxanthin

If you are looking to prevent eye conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts, a good way to start is to consume the right diet. You need specific nutrients and foods for healthy eyes, but of special note are lutein and zeaxanthin. What are they and how do they keep your eyes healthy?

Lutein and zaexanthin are carotenoids, pigments that give plants red, orange, and yellow colors. Among their functions is protecting plants from high-energy light rays called blue light. These substances are also highly concentrated in the macula of the eye, giving it a yellowish color. In fact, the macula contains a third form of carotenoid, as stated in recent research. This pigment, called meso-zeaxanthin, is produced in the retina using ingested lutein and is not found in any food source.

The Benefits Of Lutein And Zeaxanthin

The primary benefit of lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin has to do with how they protect the eyes from blue light. They block blue light from reaching the retina which prevents light-induced oxidation that leads to macular degeneration (AMD). They also work with other antioxidants like vitamins C and E and beta-carotene to protect the body from free radicals that damage the cells and cause many diseases.

The benefits of these three carotenoids are well-documented in a number of studies published in reputable journals. The American Journal of Epidemiology, Ophthalmology and Archives of Ophthalmology released research associating high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin with low incidences of macular degeneration. Two studies in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science found roughly similar results in that increased levels of macular pigments meant lower risks of developing AMD.

Furthermore, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS and AREDS2) formulated a daily antioxidant containing vitamins C and E, zinc, and copper, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin. It was found that this combination reduced the risk of AMD progression by 10 to 25 percent. The said research did not clarify if lutein and zeaxanthin also reduced the risk of cataracts.

Foods Containing Lutein And Zeaxanthin

These two nutrients are abundant in green and yellow vegetables, especially leafy ones. Cooked spinach and cooked kale are considered top sources. They are also found in non-vegetarian sources, particularly egg yolks. However, it would be best to stick to vegetarian items if you have high cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

Just like the rest of the body, the eyes need proper nutrition to stay healthy and free from diseases. Consuming food items rich in lutein and zeaxanthin is a good way to maintain excellent vision.

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Vision Loss - Scary But a Realistic Possibility and the Ways to Avoid It

Vision loss can be catastrophic. Sight is among the most beautiful gifts. It lets us enjoy the beauty of this world. Sudden snatching of this gift can be too much to handle for most. However, if something like this has happened, then very little can be done besides getting up and coping with it.

sudden vision problems can prove to be very limiting. It takes a lot of time and mental adjustment to cope up with them. However, vision loss is a gradual process. It can be prevented or at least slowed down with the help of timely eye tests and treatments. Sudden blindness is rare. It only occurs in case of acute diseases, strokes, and accidents. Most of the times, losing eyesight is a gradual process. Early detection of the problem through eye exams and assistance of an eye doctor can help in improving the vision or at least slow the progression of the disease.
Some diseases that can impair your vision to a great extent are:

Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an age-related problem that leads to central vision loss. Patients suffering from this problem face problems in performing even simple tasks. Activities like reading and crossing the road safely become a challenge. Eye tests can help in early detection of the condition. It can slow the progression of the disease.

Cataract
Cataract is one of the most common age-related vision disorder. It leads to clouding of the lens. The patients feel glare sensitivity and blurred vision. Your eye doctor can help you in fighting with cataract. Simple cataract surgery can restore your vision.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the fine nerves that connect the eye to the brain. It can lead to tunnel vision or complete vision loss. Early detection is vital. Acute glaucoma can even lead to sudden blindness.

Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by diabetes. It leads to blurred, patchy, and fluctuating vision. Regular eye tests are mandatory for early detection and reducing the impact on vision.

Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis Pigmentosa is a progressive, inherited eye disease. In the beginning, the patients can face night blindness. Sadly, there is no cure for the disease to date.

Stroke
Strokes are leading cause of loss of vision in one eye. Strokes generally cause hemianopsia. One side of the brain gets damaged and leads to loss of vision in one eye. This kind of vision loss is permanent or irreversible.

Regular visits to your eye doctor can help you in keeping vision deterioration in check. Comprehensive eye tests help in the timely assessment of the eye condition.

Sudden vision problems or partial loss of vision is alarming. You must never take it lightly. If left untreated you can end up losing eyesight completely.

Sudden blindness comes as a shock. Even simple chores like dressing up and cooking your meal can become difficult. One can start feeling completely dependent on others even for fulfilling basic needs.

For such people too, it may not be the end of the road. Even in case of significant vision loss, the patient can improve functionality with the help of following low-vision aids.
• Lenses that filter light
• Telescopic glasses
• Magnifying glasses
• Hand magnifiers
• Closed-circuit television
• Reading prisms

These devices can help in coping-up with the loss of vision. They are stronger in power than the regular eyeglasses and hence the patients may be able to get a functional vision. Your eye doctor would be able to suggest you the best low-vision aid according to your condition.

Vision loss can completely change a life. A gift you never valued so preciously becomes most significant all of a sudden. But, you have no way to get it back. Not reaching that point at all or slowing the progression is the best option you have. Regular eye tests and consultation with your eye doctor can help you in that.