Age-related cataract is a top cause of blindness among the elderly in the world today. Its current treatment is a surgical procedure where the cloudy lens are removed and then replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL).
The exact cause of this common eye condition is not exactly known but experts are saying that the clouding is brought about by the damage of the proteins and enzymes in the natural lens of the eye. This damage is believed to be caused by oxidative stress. There are others that conflict this belief but eating a diet that is rich in antioxidants has revealed in several studies that it reduces the development and progression of cataracts.
Healthy Foods for Cataract Prevention
People who regularly and consistently eat healthy meals that are composed of colorful vegetables, fruits, and whole grains has shows to have a decreased risk in developing cataracts. Phytochemicals as well as the antioxidants found in these food items that have shown to be responsible in fighting off cataracts are vitamins A, C, E, zeaxanthin, and lutein.
Eating fish, particularly those that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, have also been linked in the reduction of developing cataracts as well as in slowing their progression.
While phytochemicals, antioxidants, and all these essential eye nutrients that are associated with the prevention of cataract can be found in vision supplements and eye vitamins, experts recommend that these be acquired from the food that we eat rather than from a pill. However, many people do not exactly have healthy diets to start with. Because of this, it might be wise to consider taking daily nutritional supplements to ensure that you are getting all the essential nutrients.
But before you start taking any kind of eye or nutritional supplement, pay your doctor a visit for the proper evaluation and recommendation. There are cases that taking too much of a certain vitamin can harm your vision and your health.
A Healthy Diet for Good and Healthy Vision
A healthy diet for good vision is the one that contains 5 to 9 servings of vegetables and fruits and at least 3 servings of 100% whole grains daily, including 2 servings of fish weekly. The total amount of calories that you should consume should be enough to maintain a healthy weight, which depends on your height weight, and activity level.
Dark green as well as colorful fruits and vegetables are the best sources for antioxidants that are beneficial to the eyes. They contain calcium and folic acid which helps in the risk reduction of developing cataracts.
In order to maintain a healthy diet, you should avoid foods that are fried and processed along with soft drinks and other sugary snacks. Not only are these food items associated with an increased risk of cataracts, they can also lead to obesity and give rise to other health problems.
Giving up your unhealthy foods like chips and fast food might not be an easy feat but its end result will be worth it. Once you get yourself used to eating healthy foods, you will not have to miss these junk foods. Plus, you are entitled to a healthier body and vision.
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About the Author:
Amy C. is an optometrist, teaching her patients on the importance of leading and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for optimal eye health. In her spare time, Amy also helps in the blogging activities of Lasik Houston Texas, an eye center offering eye surgeries by top Lasik surgeons. For more of her eye health tips, stay tuned for her next post.