Thursday, December 31, 2015

Eyefoods Tips: Smoking



Smoking is the number 1 modifiable risk factor for leading cause of blindness in the world – AMD




Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic disease of the central part of the retina, the macula. It is the leading cause of blindness in the Western world.
There are two forms of AMD: dry AMD which is more common and wet AMD.

Dry AMD occurs when cells in the macula begin to break down, causing a thinning of the macula and a gradual decrease in vision.  In addition the retina is unable to rid itself of its metabolic wasted – lipofuscin and it accumulates in the retina as drusen , which blocks normal functioning of the retina.

Dry AMD can lead to wet AMD. Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the choroid, which provides blood supply to the retina.  The new vessels are weak and can lead fluid into the retina, causing a decrease in vision that is more rapid and dramatic than in dry AMD.

Smoking is one of the highest risk factors for AMD as it promotes oxidative damage to the retina.

Eyecare professionals recommend that most patients with AMD take and AREDs- type vitamin supplement and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. However, numerous studies have shown a relationship between nutrition and AMD. Some key nutrients for the prevention of AMD are, lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc and, omega-3 fatty acids.


For the best treatment plan for you it is best to consult with your optometrist.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Did You Know: Turkey Breast



Did you know turkey breast is a fantastic source of zinc and vitamin E.  
  •            Two important eye nutrients and antioxidants.
  •       The Eyefoods plan recommends eating turkey breast every week – no need to save it for Thanksgiving!

 

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that exists in every cell of our bodies. It supports our immune system and the healing process.  Zinc also encourages normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence.

For our eye health, zinc helps to mobilize antioxidants from our liver to the retina.  It also has been shown to decrease the risk of AMD.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant found in fruit and also in oils, nuts, eggs and fortified cereals.

Vitamin E in addition to other antioxidants may decrease the risk of cataracts and AMD. It has also been shown to protect the body against cancer and cardiovascular system.

Eyefoods Tips:
  •            Use turkey breasts instead of chicken breasts. The zinc content is much higher in turkey.
  •       Use ground turkey instead of ground beef for eye healthy hamburgers, meatballs, or chili.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Eyefoods Tips: Blue Light







Do you work on a computer all day? Lutein and zeaxanthin are in the retina and protect our eyes from blue light emitted by our technology devices.

Computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones all emit high amounts of blue light.

Blue light (short wavelength visible light) causes oxidative stress to the retina.  This will have a particular effect on people with less of the macular pigments lutein and zeaxanthin. People with light coloured irides, people with AMD, and people with a genetic predisposition to AMD are more susceptible to the harmful effects of blur light.

In addition to damage to the retina, blue light also causes glare and eye fatigue. Protect your eyes from blue light by wearing glasses that filter.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are pigments that found in the macula (the central part of the retina). Our bodies can not make lutein and zeaxanthin and so we must obtain them from our diet.  Lutein and zeaxanthin act to absorb blue and UV light which protects the macular from their harmful effects.

Kale, and dark leafy greens are a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin, with Kale being the top Eyefood for eye nutrients.

A diet high in lutein and zeaxanthin can improve vision in those with age related macular degeneration and also protect against it.


If you use technology devices often you should also consider asking your optometrist about blue blocking lenses for added vision protection.