Losing Weight Could Save Your Vision
Obesity may be associated with major eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Weight-related factors like high blood pressure, diabetes and lack of exercise are apparently what set these problems in motion.
Eating fruits and vegetables can help to prevent these conditions.
Foods with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and dark green, leafy vegetables like spinach are especially helpful.
I had previously talked about the importance of certain nutrients for vision in “Low Fat Diets: The Hidden Dangers.”
Lutein, which is found in egg yolks and spinach, can reduce the risk of macular degeneration. This eye disease affects your central vision with symptoms such as blurred vision, straight lines appearing to be crooked, and small blind spots.
Zeaxanthin, which is found in corn and egg yolks, protects your retina from the damaging effects of light. This reduces your risk of developing cataracts or age-related macular degeneration.
Exercise can also help to lower your risk for macular degeneration.
So protecting your vision appears to be another reason to eat right, exercise, and lose weight.
Technorati Tags: obesity, macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure
May 18th, 2007 at 5:48 am
That’s really interesting. I guess being over weight is problematic on most health fronts.
May 18th, 2007 at 9:19 am
For so many years, we were told eggs were bad for us and now you tell us they can save our vision. I think I’ll have some scrambled eggs for breakfast.
May 18th, 2007 at 11:48 am
I never thought of cataracts or other eye diseases being caused by being heavy. It’s time to start eating right.
May 18th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
More reasons to lose weight.
May 18th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
Surprised about the cataracts, too. Didn’t think people got them until they were old.
May 18th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
My grandmother had macular degeneration. It’s bad stuff.
May 18th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
I thought cataracts and macular degeneration were old people diseases, too. I never heard of someone getting that stuff cuz they were obese.
May 18th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
I’ve read that spinach and carrots are really good for your eyes.
May 19th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
High blood pressure and diabetes can do a lot more than ruin your eyesight so there’s even more reasons to get your weight down.
May 20th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
I never thought about weight affecting my vision. That’s enough to get me back on my diet.
June 19th, 2007 at 8:22 am
thanks for such a informative article