One in every three people in Orlando over the age of 65 has a vision impairing eye disease. Many assume poor vision, sensitivity to light, dry eyes, blurred vision and even loss of sight is just part of getting older, but in many cases it can be prevented. Many autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes can impact your vision and eye health. Long term use of medications for autoimmune disorders such as, Plaquenil and corticosteroids can cause vision impairment, cataracts and even glaucoma, while vascular autoimmune disorders can cause inflammation of the retina and ocular blood vessels.  Call Lake Nona Eye Care today for more information.

High Blood Pressure or Hypertension can cause deterioration of the retina, called hypertensive retinopathy. Problems that can arise are sensitivity to light, floating light and loss of vision.

Multiple Sclerosis doesn’t manifest the same for everyone. A common problem is inhibit tear production and dry eye symptom. Other debilitating eye conditions associated with MS include; drooping eyelids, impaired eye movement, and slow optic reflexes.

Type 1 Diabetes is the major cause of vision loss in the United States. Spikes in blood sugar can cause inflammation in the blood vessels and even blindness.

It’s important to discuss any medical condition with Dr. Ward at Lake Nona Eye Care at your next appointment.

Preserve the Health of your Eye

Diet: For healthy vision there are many eye healthy foods such as, eggs, whole grains, berries, seeds, beans, fish and leafy vegetables.

Supplements: Over the counter supplements for eye health include; carotene, fish oil, currant oil, and omega-3.
Dr. Ward can suggest and even prescribe supplements for your specific needs.

Regular Eye Exams: Early detection is the key to healthy vision. Routine visits can evaluate your treatment and manage your symptoms.

The Mayo Clinic put together a list of eye healthy foods:

Vegetables: Kale, collard greens, peppers, broccoli, sweet potato, spinach, peas, pumpkin, carrots and Swiss chard

Fruits: Peaches, blueberries, oranges, tangerines, mango, tomato, apricot, papaya, cantaloupe, honeydew, avocado and grapefruit

Sources of zinc: King crab, lamb, bulgur, lean beef, fortified breakfast cereals, beans, lean pork, dark meat of poultry, whole-wheat or buckwheat flours, pumpkin seeds

Omega-3-rich foods: Salmon, herring, tuna, mackerel, rainbow trout, sardines, flaxseed, English walnuts, canola oil, roasted soybeans