FOODS THAT HARM

Red meat, butter, and other foods with saturated fats

FOODS THAT HEAL

CarrotsCornRed pepperDark leafy greens like kale or collard greensFish

WHO’S AFFECTED

People age 50 and olderSmokersPeople with a family history of eye problemsPeople with diabetesSun worshippers
While it may seem like deteriorating vision is an inevitable part of aging, eating an antioxidant-rich diet can prevent or combat many eye problems
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is one of the most common causes of blindness in seniors
It entails a gradual, painless deterioration of the macula, the tissue in the central portion of the retina
The first symptom is usually blurring of central vision but eventually side vision can also become limited
Cataracts develop when the lens, the transparent membrane that allows light to enter the eye, yellows
This hinders the passage of light rays, making your vision hazy, cloudy, or blurry
It’s like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window
Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes, and most are the result of getting older
During middle age, however, cataracts are often small and don’t impair vision
As they grow, your ability to see things clearly diminishes and reading and driving, especially at night, become more difficult
If untreated, the lens may become completely opaque, resulting in blindness

QUICK TIP:

Start your day with fruit Whether your breakfast staple is eggs, cereal, or pancakes, add a vision-saving burst of antioxidants to your morning meal with a glass of orange or tomato juice, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, or cantaloupe