Controlling the Factors Related to Eye Disease

Eye health is an important aspect of your overall well-being. Because most of us have relatively good eyesight and comfort during our youth, there is little reason to worry about the future. This may be true to some extent, but there is also good reason to assess the risks for certain common eye conditions. The more you know, the better care you can take; and the better care you take, the lower your risk for unhealthy eye conditions as you age. Let’s look at some common conditions and the factors within your control.

Cataracts
Cataracts develop as a result of the lens of the eye becoming thick and inflexible. While there may be a slight hereditary bend toward the risk for cataracts, there are clear reasons why this condition is associated with age. These include:

• Exposure to UV rays
• Hypertension
• Diabetes

Looking at these three factors alone, you can see that your risk of cataracts is largely within your control. A healthy diet and good sun-care habits (sunglasses) can mitigate the factors that are associated with cataracts.

Macular Degeneration
At the center of the retina is a small structure called the macula. It is the part of the eye that is partially responsible for central visual acuity, meaning, what you see directly in front of you versus your peripheral vision. Macular degeneration is also widely considered an age-related disease for which there is an increased risk among women, Caucasians, and people with blue eyes. Family history is also a risk factor, along with others that are within your control:

• Fat-rich diet that includes a lot of meat and processed foods with unhealthy fats.
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Smoking

According to research, smoking is a significant risk factor for macular degeneration. Researchers are also investigating the role of excessive UV exposure in relation to the development of this condition.
Dark Leafy Greens could Brighten your Vision!

Several studies that have been conducted on the longevity of eye health and diseases of the eye have concluded that there is immense benefit in consuming a healthy diet. Leafy greens, in particular, due to their high antioxidant content, are quite nourishing to the eyes. These include spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, and several other varieties of greens.

The team at Central Florida Eye Institute is ready to team up with you to support optimal eye health. Call (352) 237-8400.