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Everyone knows that eating a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential to having a sound mind and body. However, certain parts of the body get more attention than others; for instance, most people focus on body shape and muscle development when planning their daily diet. Eye health is often overlooked, even though its condition is critical to a person’s ability to perform her or his everyday duties and functions. Loss of vision is a debilitating condition that also has grave effects on a person’s self-esteem and sense of security.
Eyesight deterioration has always been associated with the elderly, with cataracts being the top ailment on the list. Cataracts afflict people in their 60s or older, although studies conducted in 2014 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology determined that one percent of cataract surgery patients are actually younger than that.
How Do Cataracts Develop?
Simply put, cataracts occur when the eye’s lens start to cloud up; hence, the translucent white film that is commonly seen in the eyes of the elderly. The clouding progresses slowly over time, and patients don’t usually detect them until they actually start to interfere with their daily activities.
Because of the discrete and gradual nature of cataract development, it might not be easy to detect its early stages. Prevention of cataracts has been a subject of debate among experts in the field, although everyone agrees that there are natural ways of reducing the risk of developing this impairment.
Can Vitamin C Fight Cataracts?
Unless one can find a way to stop the aging process, there is no sure-fire way to prevent the occurrence of cataracts. There’s good news, though – there is a bevy of food items available to us that contain all the nutrients necessary for stunting the progress of cataracts. Carrots are inarguably the most well-known “eye-friendly” foods, but as it turns out, Vitamin A isn’t the only antioxidant that can do wonders for one’s eye health. Based on a new study, Vitamin C is just as effective at promoting good eyesight as it is at preventing and treating the common cold.
According to a recent article in the journal, Ophthalmology, the occurrence of cataracts cannot be avoided completely, but Vitamin C can certainly “delay their onset and keep them from worsening significantly.” In addition, this nutrient – along with Vitamin D – can slow down the development of age-related macular degeneration or AMD, which happens to be the leading cause of vision loss among Americans over the age of 60.
Where to Get Vitamin C?
As mentioned earlier, natural sources of Vitamin C are not hard to find. Found almost exclusively in fruits and vegetables, this nutrient is present in lemons, grapefruits, oranges, and other citrus fruits. Vegetables like Brussels sprouts and green peppers also contain Vitamin C. You may also take Vitamin C supplements, provided that you have consulted with a healthcare professional about it.
If you feel like your eyesight is different and that you may have a cataract, it is always a good idea to head over to a reliable and reputable eye care center, like OCLI, to get answers. If a cataract is confirmed, you can undergo cataract surgery to remove the clouded natural lens and replace it with a clear artificial one. The procedure is painless and only takes a few minutes to perform.
