How Good Vision Affects Your Overall Health

Poor, partial, or total lack of vision has an effect our over-all well-being. Among people aged 65 and older, 54.2 percent who are blind and 41.7 percent with impaired vision say their health is fair or poor. People with vision problems are more likely to have medical problems and an increased risk for falls, injury and even depression. Lifestyle changes, including proper nutrition, could help delay or prevent certain eye problems.

Vision health is for all ages

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends vision screening for all children aged three to five years. However, only one out of seven preschoolers receives an eye exam, and fewer than one out of four receives vision screening.

The Optometrists Clinic Inc shares that children with poor vision are more likely to struggle with illiteracy and poor performance in the classroom. The effects of such failure are far reaching for these children as they fall behind in their education early.

Older adults tend to have more vision problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and others. These are serious, and it is crucial that they be attended to by an eye professional.

Some things you can do to protect your vision

• Eat a healthy diet including fresh and brightly colored vegetables and fruits for antioxidants.
• Lutein, which is found in dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, collard greens and spinach as well as in peas, sweet corn and broccoli, is one of the best antioxidants.
• Vitamin A is found in yellow and orange vegetables.
• Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables.
• Eat 100 percent whole-grain breads and cereals. Their fiber slows down digestion and absorption of sugars and starches and keeps you feeling full and more able to limit your calories.
• Eat healthy fats. The omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish and seafood, flaxseed oil, walnuts you can snack on, and canola oil for cooking help to prevent dry eyes and possibly cataracts.
• Stay hydrated with healthy beverages such as 100 percent vegetable and fruit juices, water, non-caffeinated herbal teas, and low-fat dairy products.
• Use less salt, and look for sodium content on the labels of packaged and canned foods.

Wear protective eyewear

When playing sports, doing yard work, painting, home repairs, as well as at your work place if your eyes are exposed to possible danger, be sure to wear appropriate protective eyewear. Also, wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.

Get an eye exam

Taking care of your eyes must be a priority. Be sure to schedule a regular comprehensive dilated eye exam so that your eye care professional can check for eye-related diseases and common vision problems.