Changing Diet Can Improve Vision
Doctors Say Eye Conditions Easily Treated
CLEVELAND -- As most people age, their vision gets worse. But it's not something they have to accept.
By changing your diet and talking with your doctor, you can keep or get back your 20-20 vision, reported NewsChannel5 in Cleveland.
Doctors said that it's very common for men and women in their 40s to notice changes in their vision.
Presbyopia, when you can't focus your eyes on something close, is the most common problem. And doctors said that most baby boomers who haven't gotten it yet should get ready, because it's coming.
There are some other diseases that cause problems, too. Cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma can lead to blindness if not treated.
The good news is that all of the conditions are easily treated. Doctors said that one of the easiest ways to do so is to eat right and take vitamins, especially ones with lutein in them.
"Those have been shown in large studies to help prevent or delay the onset of macular degeneration," said Dr. Allan Roth, an eye specialist.
Also, people should wear protection for their eyes.
"For cataracts and macular degeneration, the best thing someone can do is wear sunglasses that filter out UV light," Roth said.
People should also get their eyes checked every two or three years, and every year after age 60.
Also, laser surgery is becoming a more and more exact way to correct blurriness.
"The procedure for both eyes was 13 minutes," Roth said.
The 13 minutes included preparation time. And because doctors use NASA technology, the procedure is more exact than ever.
"If his eye should move just a little bit or shimmer just a little bit, the laser will still be delivered in a perfectly center fashion, because it will keep up with his eye movement," Roth said. "There's very little chance of error or being off. Really, the only risk we're concerned about when we do two eyes at one time is the risk of infection."
The laser procedure costs about $2,500 an eye.
"Somebody who doesn't wear glasses doesn't know what it's like to wear glasses or some corrective measure since seventh grade for years and years and years, and now all of a sudden you don't have to wear anything anymore," Jerry Gideon, 40, said.
Doctors said that other tips to improve your eyesight include quitting smoking, cutting down on salt and eating a lot of fruits and vegetables.
Roth also said there are some new advances right around the corner that will make the laser even more accurate.
Copyright 2002 by KTVU.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.