London Drugs

Focus On Health

Vitamin D and the Sun (part 1)

Tanning Beds

Vitamin D and the Sun (part 2)

Protecting your Vision

Safe and Healthy (part 1)

Your Community Pharmacists

Winning the cellulite battle

Goodbye Dry Eye

Have a wonderful trip

Leos Story

Sun Protection (part 1)

Getting in Summer Shape

Fashion meets eye protection

Carry enough insurance

The importance of Core Stability

Relieving the itch

Safe and Healthy (part 2)

In this issue

Sun Protection (part 2)

When you need a little help

Sun Care

Avoid travellers diarrhea

Protecting your Vision

Protecting your vision - An update on cataracts and macular degeneration

Although there are many contributory factors to the development of cataracts (clouding of the lens) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), continued exposure to sunlight appears to play a role. This is particularly true for cataracts.

Here’s how you can protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light and from other factors that contribute to the development of these sight-compromising conditions.

#1 - Make shades a habit

Sun glasses are not just for sunny summer days. The UV and blue wavelengths that damage the eyes over time are present even in winter and when it is cloudy or dull outside (although they are considerably stronger in the summer).

When UV and blue light penetrate the eyes, they create free radicals in the proteins of the lens. These highly unstable molecules cause the damage that many researchers believe contributes to the development of cataracts. Significantly, areas of the world that receive more sunshine have a greater incidence of cataracts i.

UV and blue light penetrating the eye and reaching the retina are believed by some scientists to contribute to the development of macular degeneration. This sight robbing condition is caused by degeneration of the macula, a small region in the centre of the retina that allows us to see in detail.

The regular use of sunglasses with full-spectrum UVA/UVB protection will help prevent your eyes from sustaining damage that could harm your vision.

#2 - Watch your overall health

Several other factors can contribute to the development of cataracts and/or AMD. The use of certain medications and having diabetes can accelerate the rate at which a cataract develops. For example, the use of steroids, tranquilizers, or psoriasis medication can cause cataracts when taken in large doses over a long period of time. If you are taking these medications regularly, you should check with your doctor or ophthalmologist to determine if your risk of developing cataracts is increased.

Poorly managed diabetes can also contribute towards cataract development. (Sometimes, a person learns he has diabetes when being assessed for cataracts.) If you have diabetes, it is imperative to keep your blood glucose level under tight control.

Recent evidence suggests that the same process that leads to heart disease—occlusion of the arteries likely contributes to the development of AMD. Foods and/or supplements that help keep the blood vessels healthy, such as garlic and turmeric (curcumin), may therefore delay the progression of this debilitating eye condition.

#3 - Eat more "power plants"

Many plants are rich sources of substances that actively protect the vision. The health of the macula, in particular, is benefitted by the ingestion of the plant pigments lutein and zeaxanthin. These colourful compounds are present in the macular region of the retina and are believed essential for normal vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in spinach, collard greens, Brussels sprouts and kale, corn, red grapes, squash, oranges and carrots. Lutein is also present in egg yolks.

Although the foods you eat are the best source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, it is not always possible to obtain the nutrients helpful to your eyes, in sufficient quantity to help prevent the progression of AMD. You may therefore want to invest in a supplement that provides support for your vision, such as Vitalux® AREDS Eye Care Formula. (The AREDS formula of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper was found by the US National Eye Institute to help prevent the progression of AMD.)