I was shocked during my research this week to find that not only is Macular Degeneration (MD) the most common cause of blindness in the UK - but it is on the INCREASE! Currently, it affects one in five of us by the time we reach 85 but some experts predicts that over the next 20 to 30 years, it will jump to one in three! So Why The Increase? There are many reasons why Mancular Degeneration affects us but experts in the field are pointing the finger at three main culprits.
Firstly, exposure to ultra violet (UV rays).
We all know that the ozone layer has a big hole in it! It has been caused over the past few decades by the use of CFC's in aerosols.
Fortunately, since DFC's have now been banned in most countries, the size of the hole is diminishing but it still lets in far too many harmful UV rays.
We also spend a lot more time in sunny places.
Cheap air travel has meant a holiday abroad is accessible to almost everyone.
All this means that our eyes are exposed to much more sunlight than they are used to and the effects are stating to show.
Secondly, pollution.
The increasing levels of pollutants, in particular oxidants, in the atmosphere are having a devastating effect on our eyes.
A recent study by Dr.
Ivan Suner of the Duke University Medical Centre proved that hydroquinone (an atmospheric pollutant that is also found in cigarettes) causes MD.
He stated, "We are seeing more and more Macular Degeneration developing in areas with high pollution rates.
" Thirdly, poor diet, in particular low levels of essential nutrients.
Other factors include; o Age (increased risk from 50+) o Family history o Race - occurs more in the white population o Sex - women are more likely to develop MD than men o Cigarette smoking DOUBLES the chances of getting MD o Obesity o Light coloured eyes are more at risk than dark o Cardio-vascular disease including high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and coronary artery disease.
So what can you do about it? Here are my top tips to help prevent Macular Degeneration.
Wear sunglasses with a Polarized lens.
For the best protection get something that wraps around the sides of your eyes.
Solar Shields are the current leaders in the market and I've already seen a few pairs in the crowd at Wimbledon last year! 1.
Stop Smoking NOW - it's just not worth it.
2.
Move to a remote island away from pollution! I know you can't really do that but you should be aware of the effects of pollution and try to stay out of polluted areas as much as possible.
3.
Improve your diet.
Without going into one of my 'don't eat this, don't eat that' lectures, think about what you are eating.
Cut down on fat and eat plenty of fresh fruit and veg.
4.
Take a food supplement.
There are plenty that have been developed specifically for the eyes and to protect against MD.
Vision Clear is one of the best on the market today.
It is packed with 18 eye protecting vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
Each one plays a vital role but one ingredient in particular has the highest impact - Lutein.
Study after study has proved that Lutein prevents MD.
The prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association reported that "a high intake of Lutein was linked to a low rate of Macular Degeneration".
No need to start eating marigolds...
Lutein is found naturally in spinach, kale, okra and eggs but you'd have to eat vast amounts every day for it to have an effect on your eyes.
Surprisingly, the highest natural concentration of Lutein is found in marigolds and that's exactly where Vision Clear gets its Lutein from.
It is vital for your eye health as it boosts the body's ability to produce Vitamin A - the major antioxidant that is crucial to protect your eyes against UV rays and pollutants.
And if Marigolds aren't enough, here's the other 17 ingredients; o BILBERRY EXTRACT Enhances night vision; strengthens blood vessels and tissues of eye.
o GRAPE SEED EXTRACT Strengthens retinal capillaries; enhances night vision and prevents eye ageing.
o INOSITOL Helps transport amino acids to the eye lens.
o MANGANESE CARBONATE Aids the utilization of B vitamins and vitamin E.
o TOMATO LYPOCEN Helps repair damaged cells.
o VITAMIN B2 Fights damage by free radicals and helps prevent the formation of cataracts.
o VITAMIN B6 Boosts the level of oxygen carried by haemoglobin to the eyes.
o VITAMIN B12 Keeps nerve cells healthy and improves vision.
o VITAMIN C Powerful antioxidant that reduces risk of serious eye disease including cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
o MAGNESIUM CARBONATE Important mineral essential for good body processing.
o ZINC GLUCONATE Helps prevent macular degeneration and slows down the evolution of this condition.
o SOYA LECITHIN Good source of protein and amino acids for repairing cellular damage.
o VITAMIN E 50% Aids in the prevention of cataracts or delays growth of existing cataracts.
o BETACAROTENE 10% Enhances night vision and protects against pollution and free radical damage.
o ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID Aids in the prevention of cataract formation; increases potency of Vitamins C & E; protects against UV radiation.
o SELENIUM YEAST Important antioxidant protecting the eye against free radical damage; works in concert with Vitamin E.
o GRAPE SEED POWDER Promotes healthy vascular system and protects the veins of the eyes.
Also fights free radicals.
Together these 18 ingredients form a very powerful combination that will provide your eyes with all the essential nutrients and vitamins they need to fight the daily onslaught of pollutants and UV rays.
You can read more about Vision Clear on my website.
That's all for this week, keep smiling and stay healthy!