Today, we’ll discuss how making some simple food swaps in a daily diet can make all the difference in the ability to continue maintaining optimal vision health into old age.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative eye disease affecting adults over 60. The macula, which is responsible for central vision, begins to break down and can lead to blurry, distorted, or low vision in the center of the field of vision. There are two types of AMD, dry and wet, with the latter being more severe. While there are treatments available for wet AMD, there is no cure for either type of AMD.
Risk factors for AMD include smoking, family history, and a diet lacking in nutrients like vitamins C and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Regular screenings and lifestyle changes can help to prevent, delay, or manage AMD. It’s important to take care of your eyesight as you age, and awareness of AMD is crucial.
Protecting Eyes from Damage
While there is no cure for AMD, experts agree that a healthy diet can help protect your eyes from further damage. Specifically, they recommend that people with AMD eat plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables daily. This is because these foods are rich in nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants and other beneficial compounds such as carotenoids. Carotenoids are chemicals that give plants their color, but they’re also antioxidants that may guard against vision damage caused by AMD.
And when it comes to fruits and vegetables, the darker the color, the better. So, be sure to load up on dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens, as well as brightly-colored fruits like berries, oranges, and mangoes. Incorporating these foods into your diet gives your eyes the vital nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong.
While no specific diet is guaranteed to prevent or treat AMD, research suggests that a Mediterranean-style eating plan can be helpful. This eating pattern is characterized by abundant vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins while limiting red meat consumption. Studies have found that individuals who follow this type of diet are less likely to experience progression to advanced stages of AMD, making it an excellent guiding principle for those looking to optimize their eye health.
Protect Macular Health and Maintain Eyesight
One of the primary causes of age-related vision loss is low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. These natural pigments have been shown to protect the eye from oxidative damage caused by ultraviolet light and environmental factors. Some of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are available through food. However, sometimes a healthy diet may not provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed to fight off the disease. That’s where extra supplementation comes in.
20/20 Vision contains 20 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin to help give your eyes the nutritional support they require. In addition to those two ingredients, this unique formula also contains various vitamins, minerals, and herbal ingredients to help support and maximize vision and eye health.
Numerous age-related conditions can have a negative impact on vision and eye health, so it is important to help support strong and healthy vision as you age. 20/20 Vision is an excellent solution for those who want to support eye health as they age.