On this last day of May 2011 – I thought we would pay tribute to May being Healthy Vision Month.  As we age, our eyes undergo normal aging changes which cause a decrease in sharpness of vision and focusing power.  When you start to notice that it is harder for you to read fine print – it is important that you schedule an appointment with an optometrist so that you can have your eyes properly examined.  As we age the lens of the eye becomes less flexible and it becomes yellow and we have difficulty discerning colors.

If you are noticing a decrease in your visual acuity it is important to make sure that medications have labels with large print and that emergency phone numbers are in large print also.

Cataracts, Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration are common eye diseases in the aging population.  A cataract causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy and the vision becomes hazy and blurred.  Glaucoma is when there is a build-up of fluid that causes the pressure in the intra-ocular chamber to increase.  Regular eye exams can detect early stage glaucoma and prevent optic nerve damage.  Macular degeneration is caused by wear and tear of the macula and can cause loss of central or straight ahead vision.

Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals can help keep your eyes healthy and prevent some common eye diseases.  Here are some vitamins essential for good eye health:

• Chromium – low levels of chromium have been associated increased intraocular pressure.  Chromium can help you focus and strain less.
• Lutein – lowers the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.  Lutein and its stereoisomer zeaxanthin are two carotenoids present naturally in the retina.  Lutein and zeaxanthin provide antioxidant defenses to protect ocular tissue from oxidative stress.  Foods rich in lutein include dark green leafy vegetables – kale, spinach and broccoli.
• Selenium – low levels have been found in cataract sufferers, selenium also helps prevent macular degeneration since it is an antioxidant.
• Vitamin C – is directly linked to the prevention of cataracts, delay of macular degeneration and eye pressure reduction in glaucoma.
• Zinc – is required to convert beta-carotene into Vitamin A – an essential nutrient for eye health.
• Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EPA/DHA/GLA) – help with eye hydration and comfort