May is Healthy Vision Month

Learn How to Protect Your Eyes

Approximately 37 million American adults have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy, which are the leading causes of new cases of blindness. May is designated Healthy Vision Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology to raise awareness of the preventative measures you should take to protect your vision.

“According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 600,000 people in Hawaii have prediabetes or diabetes,” said Dr. Steven Rhee, D.O., Medical Director of Hawaiian Eye Center. “Diabetes affects many functions of the body including the eyes and puts people at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to schedule routine, comprehensive eye exams before any vision-changes occur, on top of monitoring your blood sugar levels and taking prescribed medications.”

To preserve one’s vision, early detection of eye diseases is vital in maintaining one’s eyesight. If you have a family history of ocular disease, or you are 40 years of age and over, get a comprehensive dilated eye exam every two to three years from your eye care professional. If you are 60 and over or have diabetes, get an eye exam once a year.

Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in check can also help to decrease your risk of developing eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy. Increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels puts strain on the delicate blood vessels in the eyes, potentially leading to visual degeneration.

However, it is possible to avoid complications caused by symptoms such as high blood pressure and cholesterol by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.

A variety of nutrients and antioxidants found in Hawaii’s abundance of fresh produce and seafood can help protect your eyes:

• Citrus fruits are well-known sources of vitamin C: oranges, lemons, limes, and tangerines. Other great sources: pineapples, broccoli, and bell peppers.
• Vitamin E can be found in many different foods: avocados, almonds, sunflower oil, and wheat germ.
• Beta-carotene is found in foods typically bright orange or dark green in color: carrots, mangoes, sweet potatoes, papaya, spinach, and collard greens.
• Beta-glucans which have been known to help lower blood pressure can be found in mushrooms and seaweed.
• Great sources of zinc include low-fat proteins: oysters, chicken, and turkey. Other great sources are peanuts, soybeans, and black-eyed peas.
• Leafy, green vegetables are sources rich in lutein and zeaxanthin (both found in healthy eyes): watercress, taro greens, kale, spinach, and bok choy.
• Omega-3 fatty acid is found in many varieties of fish: tuna, salmon, halibut, and sardines. Other great sources include walnuts and flaxseed.

Dr. Rhee concludes that to protect your vision throughout the span of your life, a holistic approach is necessary. “Healthy Vision Month reminds you to protect your vision by scheduling routine, comprehensive eye exams for early detection of ocular diseases, as well as adding mentioned preventative measures to your daily routine,” says Dr. Rhee.