Taking care of our most precious sense
Protecting our Eyes with Multivitamins
We now know that many conditions of the eye are prevented by good nutrition and by the addition of vitamins and supplements. It has been shown that a good quality multivitamin can reduce the incidence of cataract by 25 percent. Another study involving 88,000 nurses nationwide showed that an intake of at least 350 mg of vitamin C reduces the advancement of cataract by 70%. This was an amazing finding that was not expected. You would have to eat way too many oranges daily to obtain this level, with the ingestion of way too much sugar. It takes supplementation with a pill to reach this level.
A study on macular degeneration called the AREDS study showed that a multivitamin containing beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper slowed the progression of this disease by 25%. This was wonderful news for those of us who have felt from their clinical experience that multivitamins seemed to stabilize patients with this disease. Lutein is a yellow carotenoid that is heavily concentrated in normal maculae. We know that lutein is absent in retinas with macular degeneration. It was not available commercially when the AREDS study was undertaken. Lutein is something we recommend for patients with incipient macular degeneration for this reason. There are many over-the-counter multi-vitamins available for daily consumption. Ask one of our staff members for recommendations of specific brands.
Dry eye is perhaps the most common condition optometrists treat. A recent discovery is that dry eye condition has an inflammatory component. Increasing omega 3 fatty acids in our diet will positively influence this condition. Sources of omega 3 fatty acids are cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, haddock, cod and sardines. The supplemental source our doctors recommend is fish oil.
Instead of treating eye diseases, we would much rather prevent them. We recommend a basic multivitamin with extra C,E, calcium, magnesium, and omega 3 fatty acids. We would be happy to give you more information for your specific needs.
Protecting our Eyes with Sunglass Wear
Another basic way we can protect our eyes is by wearing sunglasses. Much research has been done on the effects of ultra-violet (UV) light rays on the eyes. UV-light rays are classified into three categories by letter (UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C). Since 1987, the Beaver Dam Eye Study has done much research on cataracts and macular degeneration (AMD) and their progression. One of the findings discovered was exposure to UV rays, especially UV-B, can cause cataract development to accelerate. It was also noted that these UV-light rays can cause an increase in the progression of AMD. These scientific findings emphasize the importance of protecting our eyes by wearing sunglasses.
Sunglasses designed to block both UV-A and UV-B light rays at 100% efficiency are the most ideal sunglasses to wear for optimal protection from the sun. At our office, we make sure that our sunglass lenses are designed to give your eyes full protection so that you will have the best care of them.
It has also been noted that exposure to the sun could cause damage as early as childhood. For this reason, it is not only a good idea to protect your own eyes, but also the eyes of your children as well. We have sunglasses for all ages. We even have Baby Banz for infants and toddlers. These sunglasses are designed with a velcro, expandable band in order to make them
more comfortable for your infant or toddler to wear. They block 100% of UV-A and UV-B light rays so that you can protect your son's or daughter's eyes for his or her future.