Age Related Macular Degeneration, Dry Eye Syndrome and
Cataracts are very common senior eye problems. While we rarely think about
nutrition problems in the U.S., there is global information that tells us what
CAN happen if we allow people to develop nutritional deficiencies and thus what
types of supplements and vitamins might be helpful in preventing these eye
problems According to research presented in the Journal of Clinical Dermatology on the role of vitamins, essential fatty acids
and antioxidants in age-related macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome and
cataract, there is useful information and it helps us advise our patients on a
daily basis. When we look around the world, we find that
visual impairment
is a global epidemic. In developing
countries, nutritional deficiency and cataracts continue to be the leading
cause of blindness, whereas age related macular degeneration (AMD) and
cataracts are the leading causes in developed nations. The World Health
Organization has instituted VISION 2020: "The Right to Sight" as a
global mission to put an end to worldwide blindness. In industrialized
societies, patients, physicians, researchers, nutritionists, and biochemists
have been looking toward vitamins and nutrients to prevent AMD, cataracts, and
dry eye syndrome (DES).
We know that nutrients from the AREDS2
-lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, EPA and DHA as set
forth by the National Institutes of Health remain the most proven nutritional
therapy for reducing the rate of advanced AMD. We also know that Omega-3 fatty
acids, especially DHA, have been found to improve dry eye syndrome in
randomized clinical trials. Finally we know that there continue to be
conflicting results with regard to multivitamin supplementation on the
prevention of cataract.
When you visit us for your regular eye
exam, we may very well ask you about your nutrition and what vitamins and
supplements you already take. If you are in a risk group for AMD or have complaints
about dry eye symptoms we may also recommend supplements or vitamins to help
you. Please call The Eye Care & Surgery
Center at 908-789-8999, visit The
Eye Care & Surgery Center, Google+ or
facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment.
The Eye
Care & Surgery Center is located at 592 Springfield Avenue,
Westfield, New Jersey 07090, 10 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, New Jersey 07059
and 517 Route One South, Suite 1100, Iselin, New Jersey 08830, and is conveniently located for patients from throughout
central and northern New Jersey.
