Keeping your eyes healthy?

[Geoff_MD]

What lifestyle changes can be beneficial for the health of your eyes?

[andy1955 Macular Society]

Hello Geoff,

If you have Macular Disease, the following will be helpful;

1) Eat a balanced diet with a good intake of leafy green vegetables such as Kale, Spinach and Broccoli as often as possible. Brightly coloured fruits, Prunes and Raisins are also good for eye health as is a regular intake of oily fish. Consider taking a vitamin supplement; there are a number specifically made for those with dry MD; your Pharmacist, GP or eye care specialist can advise you on diet and supplements.

2) Do not smoke.

3) Protect your eyes from the sunshine. Wear a good pair of sunglasses which have UV protection and preferably with blue light protection as well. It is also a good idea to wear a wide brimmed hat on sunny days to cast a shadow over your eyes. If lying in the sun, just closing your eyes does not protect them; the rays of the sun will penetrate your eyelids and cause damage to your macular and retina.

4) If you are able, do a little exercise on a regular basis to get your heart pumping; but be careful not to overdo it if you have other health issues or if you haven't done any serious exercise in a while! Maintaining a healthy weight is of course beneficial.

5) You should have regular eye checks; at least once a year with an optician; even if you are under the hospital.

I hope that this helps.

Andy, Macular Disease Society

[Geoff_MD]

Thanks Andy, that's really useful.

[happygeek]

I'm a vegan, so the whole Kale/Spinach thing is taken care of. As is the low-cholesterol diet which also comes recommended for eye health (there is no cholesterol in an animal-free diet). I haven't smoked for more than twenty years, drink moderately (a pint of vegan real ale every other other night) and am bang in the middle of the recommended bit of the Body Mass Index scale for my height.

One thing that does interest me is the vitamin supplements thing, from the perspective of whether there is any real evidence that these actually do work with regards to MD. If so, what are they meant to do and how are they meant to do it? Surely eating those lutein-rich greens as part of a healthy and balanced diet is enough?

[LisaTaylor]

I am very conscious with my general health, that is why I'm into eating healthy foods and maintaining a healthy weight. I believe that being overweight can lead to developing diabetes, which will result to vision loss. I include dark leafy greens in my diet, such as kale and spinach, and fish such as salmon and tuna. And I avoid smoking and too much drinking. I also include eye exercises in my daily routine.