Natural Vision Improvement Through Eating Habits

Two causes of blindness are diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These conditions involve abnormal blood vessel development in the eye possibly caused or worsened by dietary and lifestyle choices. Damage to vision is caused by edema (swelling) and fluid leakage inside the eye. Vision can be improved naturally through diet. With these conditions lifestyle changes may also be required.

The effect of diabetes on the eye is called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. Vision is lost due to macular edema (swelling in the eye) caused by fluid leaking into the center of the eye. Fragile blood vessels of the eye leaking blood also causes vision loss. If let go long enough Diabetic Retinopathy will cause blindness. In early stages vision can be improved naturally by controlling blood pressure, watching what you eat, and quitting smoking. Controlling these factors not only improves current vision, loss of vision is slowed when proper care is taken.

AMD has the reputation of being the most common cause of irreversible blindness in developed countries. The macula, near the center of the retina, is affected by AMD. This disease causes its victims to lose the ability to read and recognize faces. People with AMD also need to quit smoking, control blood pressure and dietary changes can improve vision and slow the damaging effects of AMD as well as Diabetic Retinopathy.

Diabetics who have been diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy should watch their diet and keep their blood sugar levels under control. Dietary changes may need to be taken. Carbohydrates that are high on the glycemic index should be avoided. These foods are higher in sugars and lower in fiber than other carbohydrates. Carbohydrates that are higher on the glycemic index raise blood sugar levels quickly. Eating more fresh vegetables and fewer sweets can slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

When sweets are consumed a source of protein and/or fat should be eaten with them to slow the rise of blood sugar levels. Fiber found in vegetables and fruits helps with slowing the entrance of sugar into the bloodstream too. The amount and types of fats in your diet should be watched also. Cholesterol levels that are too high have been linked to vision problems.

To slow AMD and improve vision, it is important to quit smoking, eat more leafy green vegetables, and protect eyes from the sun by using sunglasses or wearing a hat while outdoors. Blood pressure should also be kept under control. High blood pressure causes blood vessels to constrict. Blood supply can be restricted to areas of the eye causing damage and increasing swelling of the optic nerve. Diets rich in antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc lower the odds of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Studies are being conducted, but at this time there is no cure for either AMD or Diabetic Retinopathy. Improvement of vision is possible when natural sources of essential nutrients are consumed daily. Antioxidants are helpful in correcting vision. Omega-3 fatty acids might help to prevent blindness by slowing the overgrowth of the abnormal blood vessels in your eye. Vitamins A, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene and Zinc are important also. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables along with good quality, low fat, cuts of meat can improve vision and help prevent both of these vision damaging conditions. Whole grains, nuts, vegetable oil, dark leafy greens, orange and yellow vegetables, and citrus should be a part of improving vision naturally. If diet isn't brought under control and proper nutrients aren't being eaten then eyesight will continue to decline. Supplements can be taken to ensure dietary requirements are being followed.

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