Kent Probst, BS, MEd
Kent Probst is the owner of Long Healthy Life Blog
Common Age-Related Eye Problems
Over the years, you may have noticed that your vision is getting worse. You went in for an eye exam, and the optometrist said you needed a stronger prescription. Don’t get discouraged. You can learn how to reverse aging eyes.
Other eye problems related to age include cataracts, presbyopia, dry eyes, macular degeneration, glaucoma and temporal arteritis.
Fortunately, there are measures you can take to mitigate some of these problems.
What You Can Do to Prevent or Reverse Aging Eyes
- See your doctor regularly to be screened for diseases, especially those that can cause diseases of the eye, such as diabetes.
- Get an eye exam once a year with an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
- If you’re diabetic, have your pupils dilated during your eye exam.
- If you have sudden changes in vision such as blurry vision, redness, swelling, loss of vision or pain, see a physician immediately.
- Take frequent breaks from your computer screen and smartphone. These devices emit blue light. Chronic exposure to blue light can lead to macular degeneration.
- Wear sunglasses that provide protection of 99-100% against UVA and UVB.
- Wear protective eyewear when on the job to avoid injuries to your eyes.
How to Reverse Aging Eyes with Food
- Bell peppers are high in vitamin C and A. They also contain the carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein which can help prevent age-related macular degeneration. The macula is part of the retina responsible for clear vision in the center of your visual field. Macular degeneration is the thinning of the macula.
- Sunflower seeds and almonds are great because they contain vitamin E. Some evidence exists that suggests vitamin E can reduce the speed at which macular degeneration progresses.
- Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, as well as green peas, are high in lutein and zeaxanthin.
- Sweet potatoes and pumpkin both contain beta-carotene which your body converts into vitamin A that’s needed for healthy eyes.
- Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids which contribute to maintaining a healthy retina. Published research demonstrates that getting ample levels of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet may prevent retinal degeneration.
- Legumes and beans such as lentils, black beans and kidney beans are rich in zinc which helps prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, as well as protect the retina. Cataracts are the clouding of the lens of the eye.
- Butternut squash have significant amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin which you need to prevent macular degeneration.
- Broccoli is another vegetable rich in zeaxanthin and lutein which also help prevent oxidative damage to the retina.
Nutritional Supplements for Healthy Eyes
- Bilberry Extract – Anthocyanins, the phytochemicals that give bilberries and blueberries their color, are integral to eye health. Anthocyanins protect the retina by reducing permeability of capillaries and increase blood flow to the eyes. Bilberry extract has long been used in naturopathic and alternative medicine to improve vision.
- Pycnogenol – When combined with bilberry extract, pycnogenol significantly reduced intra-ocular pressure over a four week period compared to people who did not take the supplement. Elevated intra-ocular pressure is a significant risk factor for glaucoma.
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin are usually combined in supplement form. These two carotenoids are highly concentrated in the retina. A large body of evidence demonstrates that supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin can prevent macular degeneration.
- Saffron is showing promise as a supplement that may help with macular degeneration. In a published study, daily supplementation with 30mg of saffron resulted in significant improvement in patients with macular degeneration.
- European black currant extract may be beneficial for preventing myopia and glaucoma. Anthocyanins from black currants were demonstrated to improve myopia and glaucoma in a published study in the journal Molecules.
A Holistic Approach to Preventing and Reversing Aging Eyes
Consistency is one of the keys to maintaining healthy eyes throughout your lifetime.
Consult your physician when considering taking a nutritional supplement for your eyes.
By combining food, nutritional supplements and standardized eye care, you can clearly see how to reduce the effects of aging on your eyes.
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust. There is no additional cost to you.
