As you get older, many things affect your eye health and the one thing you want to avoid is Macular Degeneration. With modern technology all around you, you'll be spending more time looking at screens—TV, computers, tablets, even books are now read on screen. When you are looking at screens for much of your day eyestrain can take it's toll - but it doesn't have to!!

What causes Macular Degeneration?

Most eye damage,  that has not been caused by trauma, is a result of free radical damage. Age-related Macular Degeneration usually affects older people and causes retinal damage resulting in central vision loss. Macular degeneration may be caused by an accumulation of free radical cellular damage.

Your eyes need vitamins, too!

Your eyes are a delicate tool that require specific nutrients to keep them functioning well. Using your vision consumes nutrients; vitamins and minerals that need to be topped up to retain eye health. Antioxidants from these nutrients search and destroy free radicals to protect your vision and your eyes.

Eating to prevent Macular Degeneration

Numerous studies show that the antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, are essential for eye health. They come from yellow pigments and are concentrated in the following:

• Cantaloupe Melon
• Yellow/orange capsicum
• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Whole eggs
• Fish (including salmon)
• Marigolds

Omega 3s are important for eye health too. Consuming oily fish regularly will give you some, but to make sure you are getting enough Omega 3, many people choose to take Fish Oil supplements.

Preventing Macular Degeneration as you age

You may already be retired or looking forward to that time, but have you considered how Macular Degeneration can impact the things you love? When working full time, there’s not always time for your favourite or new activities, which is part of the joy of retirement. So just when you’re in a position to take up golf, play more tennis, concentrate on a neglected hobby or take up a new one, get out and about and take to the open road, or enjoy activities with you grandchildren, you don’t want to find yourself unable to do so because your vision is impaired

The best vitamins for Macular Degeneration and Eye Health

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Copper
• Selenium
• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin

Lifestyle tips to strengthen your eyes and prevent Macular Degeneration

• Eat a variety of vegetables and fruit, especially leafy greens and those that are orange or yellow in colour
• Eat more berries; blueberries, raspberries, strawberries. They are packed with antioxidants
• Eat Brazil nuts which have the highest concentration of selenium (antioxident)
• Eat Oysters which are packed full of zinc
• Make sure you rest your eyes periodically throughout the day
• Minimise alcohol consumption
• Get regular eye checks with your optometrist

As always, whatever questions or concerns you have regarding the health of your eyes, all you have to do is drop by Mr Vitamins and ‘Ask a Naturopath’.

Mr Vitamins Recommends

Healthy Essentials High Strength Bilberry 12000 plus Lutein

Healthy essentials is a premium quality Eye Health formula combining Bilberry with Lutein, Zeaxanthin and other key nutrients to support healthy eye function and vision. Find out more about Healthy Essentials Bilberry 12000 and shop online here