» Macualr DegenerationMore Research Shows Diets Rich in Nutrients Can Save Sight
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic Stresses Importance of Healthy Eating to Help Protect Against Blinding Eye Disease
Richmond,
VA (January 25, 2010) - A diet filled with green leafy vegetables is
good for the waistline. But many people may not be aware of
the health benefits to the eyes. Diets rich in certain
antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin can help protect the eyes
against age-related macular degeneration, a potentially blinding eye
disease for which there is no cure.
Lutein is a naturally
occurring molecule found in dark green leafy vegetables such as
spinach, kale and collard greens. It can also be found in corn, egg
yolks, green vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, green peas,
brussel sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, and fruits like kiwi and honeydew
melon.
New research shows that AMD is in part a
manifestation of a lutein and zeaxanthin deficiency in the eye. AMD
patients tend to have lower macular pigment. This pigment contains
lutein and zeaxanthin and gives the macula its yellow coloration.
Researchers concluded that by raising the level of lutein and
zeaxanthin, AMD symptoms may be prevented or delayed, according to
findings of the "The Value of Measurement of Macular Carotenoid Pigment
Optical Densities and Distributions in Age-related Macular Degeneration
and Other Retinal Disorders," (Bernstein, P.S., et al, Vision Research
2009).
"What makes this new research exciting is that, from our
findings, measuring the macular pigment has the potential to become a
way for eye care professionals to measure the risks for AMD and other
eye diseases," said Dr. Stuart Richer, chief of optometry at the
Department of Veterans Affairs Center, North Chicago, Ill., and the
study's co-author. "Our research shows the critical impact that
healthy diets can have on vision. My colleagues and I are continuing
our research to help protect against unnecessary vision loss."
In
addition, a study by the National Eye Institute (NEI) suggests that
pharmacological-level doses of zinc, vitamins C and E, and beta
carotene may help slow the progression of AMD. The benefits of the
nutrients were seen only in people who were at high risk of developing
advanced AMD, those with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes, and
those with advanced AMD in one eye only.
AMD currently
affects the vision of more than 2 million Americans, ages 50 and older,
according to research by Prevent Blindness America and the NEI.
AMD slowly robs people of their central vision and, if left untreated,
can result in severe vision loss and even blindness. There are two
forms of AMD: "dry" and "wet". Dry AMD is the most common form of the
disease. It involves the presence of drusen - fatty deposits that form
under the light-sensing cells in the retina. Vision loss in dry AMD
usually progresses slowly. Wet AMD is less common, but more rapidly
threatening to vision. Wet AMD causes tiny blood vessels under the
retina to leak or break open. This distorts vision and causes scar
tissue to form.
To maintain healthy eyes and lower the risk of eye disease, Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic recommends:
- Stop smoking
- Eat healthy foods
- Stay active
- Control your blood pressure
- Protect your eyes from the sun
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic invites the public to visit "The AMD Learning Center",
developed as a free online resource that provides a variety of
educational tools including AMD risk factors, treatment options and the
Adult Vision Risk Assessment quiz.
» What You Might Not Know...
About Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic
Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic is the only local
volunteer-based nonprofit organization whose sole mission is to
preserve sight and prevent blindness. The primary means of
accomplishing our mission since 1957 is through vision screenings
for both children and adults, providing support groups for seniors,
and supplying public and professional education and information. For
more information, or to contribute to the sight-saving fund, call
toll-free, (888) 790-2020, ext. "0." We also gratefully accept online donations
here at this web site!
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