Does your lifestyle and health effect your eyesight?
An eye examination is a vital health check and should be part of everyone’s normal health care, but quite often people are very unaware as to how their lifestyle and general health condition can affect their eyesight.
This article highlights the effect obesity, diabetes and nutrition can have on functionality of your eyesight.
Obesity
Maintaining a healthy weight is not only essential for your overall general health, but it is also vital for your eyes. Research conducted by the College of Optometrists has shown that people who are overweight are more likely to develop diabetes, which in turn has a profound effect on your eyesight.
Diabetes
For people who have diabetes, it is essential that you have regular eye examinations. Sufferers of diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts than people who do not and are also at a much higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is when the small blood vessels in your retina leak blood and fluid into the retina. Although this does not affect your vision in the early stages, if it is left untreated it may lead to sight loss. Reducing the amount of sugar you intake can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy.
Nutrition
A key factor that can help curtail the effects of obesity and diabetes on your eyesight is to maintain a healthy balanced diet which includes eating a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, including dark green leaves.
It is also believed that having a diet rich in coloured fruit and vegetables (eg kale, spinach, yellow peppers, mango) may reduce your risk of developing age related macular degeneration (AMD).
There are also plenty of dietary supplements on the market which claim to have a positive impact on your eyesight. For people who have existing AMD, these supplements may be beneficial but it is always best to consult this with your optometrist before you start taking them.
If you are concerned with your eyesight and want to have a consultation with your local optometrist, please visit the practice to make an appointment or call to speak to one of our staff members on 0115 933 2999.