Proper nutrition can delay or prevent certain eye problems.

Age related eye-diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration commonly cause impaired vision and blindness in older adults. By changing your diet to include proper nutrition, you may be able to help delay or prevent certain eye problems, as well as prevent diseases caused by being overweight.

As children we were always told to eat our vegetables so that we would grow up big and strong. As time passed and you grew older, and wiser, it is often all too easy to forget about those things that our parents instilled in us when we were younger. Simple life choices, such as what you eat, may affect your eye sight more that you think.

Your diet is one of your life choices that will affect the quality of your life both now and as we age. A diet that is high in saturated fat and sugar may increase your risk of eye disease. By choosing a diet that has greens, fruits and vegetables, you may help to prevent eye diseases, along with other health-related conditions that occur with being overweight.

Age-related cataracts and age-related macular degeneration have been shown to occur less frequently in people who eat diets rich in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and healthy protein. You should try to consume at least 5-10 servings of fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables daily.

Proper hydration can also play a role in your eye health. Healthy beverages such as 100% vegetable juice, fruit juices, caffeine free teas and plenty of water, are extremely important to eye health. As you look at the labels, check out the sugar content. Try to consume less juice and more water. By staying properly hydrated you help to prevent dry eyes, which can cause irritation and lead to other eye complications.

As we grow older, and wiser, it is important to take care of our bodies. Having a proper diet is not only important to your body’s overall health, but is also important to you eye sight. Eating the proper amount of fruits and vegetables, along with staying properly hydrated, are keys to success. So take advantage of the summer and support your neighborhood farmers. Stop by the local farm stand and pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables to help boost your immune system and live a happy healthy life!

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-Sate Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.