While no one can stop the effects of aging, there is no substitute for healthy habits to maintain strong and great quality vision. Age-related cataracts are the leading cause of low vision and blindness across the globe, with up to 30 percent of people over the age of 50 developing the disease. Custom treatment for cataracts is becoming a routine procedure in America, but many patients are in search of natural and thrifty methods of preventing cataracts, so today we want to share some advice about keeping an eye on your plate to slow the progression of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Take note that cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and dims the vision of more than 100 million people worldwide.
The center of the retina is called the macula. Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration, is a gradual process that leads to the loss of central vision and limits the ability to perform everyday tasks that involve reading or recognizing others.
Fortunately, there are ways to combat these conditions simply by making smarter food choices which are good for your eyes and your health overall.
One study involving 27,670 British men and women above the age of 40, attempted to link the possible connections between diet and risk of developing cataracts. For nine years researchers followed their eating habits and cataract development, and found that those who consumed more than 3.5 ounces of meat per day were at a higher risk of developing cataracts. Statistics published in the American Journal of Nutrition revealed that the risk of developing cataracts was:
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15 percent lower in people who consumed less than 1.8 ounces of meat a day.
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21 percent lower in people who eat fish, but no meat.
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30 percent lower in people who eat no meat and no fish (vegetarians).
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40 percent lower in people who eat no animal products at all (vegans).
Although the study cannot prove cause and effect relations since it was performed outside of clinical trial, the study shows that eating less meat and more vegetables, fruit and whole grains may safeguard your eyes from cataracts development.
Fall in line with some healthier food choices that may just very well contain cataract development. Cutting back on your meats may just be good enough for your eyes after all and there are plenty of plant protein sources to fulfill your meat cravings, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, fish and chicken.
If you are at risk of cataracts or would like to find out more about safeguarding habits to slow the progress of cataracts then schedule an appointment at our Advanced Eye Medical office in Orange County. Custom treatment for cataracts may be the best solution for active conditions, so call now to find out how we can help you keep your vision safe from age-related diseases.