Vision issues rank as the second most prevalent problem for United States citizens, affecting more than 120 million people. Sight issues have become a staggering statistic in the medical community, with some even calling it an epidemic. What’s more, nearly 172 million people (61 percent) of Americans have a sight issue that needs some sort of vision correction.
Vision correction may seem like something that only affects people on a personal level, but the reality is that a Georgetown University Medical Center study concluded approximately 1,000,000 new blindness cases each year are curable or preventable through detection and treatment. If sight issues were deteced and treated, it would lead to an estimated annual savings to the federal government of over $1 billion.
Sight issues are not just a waste of tax dollars; they are a sign of disregard for your own health. The value of sight is immeasurable, so why not take the proper preventative measure to maintain it?
Sun damage, chemical exposure, genetic disposition, flash burn and abrasions are all possible sources for major sight difficulties. Common eye diseases include glaucoma, cataracts and pink eye. While some of these circumstances are unforeseen and unpreventable, others are very easy to prevent and contain on your own.
Sudden changes in vision, pain, double vision, fluid coming from the eye and inflammation are clear signs to visit an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Lutein, vitamin C, zinc and vitamin A are all important nutrients that promote healthy vision. In the last 20 years, eye-health research has linked diet and nutrition with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A study by the National Eye Institute provided evidence that nutritional intervention in the form of supplements could delay the progression of AMD. The study concluded that taking an antioxidant vitamin or mineral supplement reduced the risk of advance AMD progression by about 25 percent.
Eyes are one of the main features in a woman’s beauty arsenal, offering emotion, color and depth to any personality or look. All of the cosmetic reinforcement and application in the world is useless if you do not take proper care of your sight. Your best defense, in many cases, is a great offense. Early detection and treatment could prevent sight issues and vision loss, making routine check-ups important because eye diseases do not always have clear symptoms.
There is one thing that all health officials can agree on: good nutrition is vital for healthy vision. Clearly you can see the signs that your sight is vital.
