Efforts at nutrition and eye-health education
As previously discussed, there have been a number of important studies affirming the relationship of diet to the treatment, prevention, and/or slowing progression of a variety of age-related ocular illnesses. Educational campaigns have been initiated by the federal government and public health associations as well as the eye-vision industry to heighten the awareness of a link between nutrition and eye-health link.39–42 To this end, an educational vision icon (M’eyeDiet, Figure 1) was developed to promote awareness of the importance of a healthy diet, targeting the aforementioned eye-health nutrients.
Figure
1.
This graphic presents a suggested recommended daily intake for each nutrient. This poster can be placed in medical clinics, senior centers/assisted living areas, optometrist and ophthalmologist offices, wellness centers and food supermarkets, as well as being posted in a personal health-reminder area of one’s home. Since nutrients are more conceptual, and hence are invisible to consumers, “good vision food” items and the correct food serving size information should be available to the client/patient/consumer to make the necessary translation from nutrients to food.
A simple food guide to help individuals choose rich food sources as a tear-off page attached to the graphic itself or as a stand-alone pamphlet can be included to encourage the discussion and practice of selecting the best food choices for healthy vision. The guide shown here is formed based on food groupings (vegetables, fruits, breads, dairy, fats, meats [meat and nonmeat high-protein sources]). Anyone considering a supplementation program to meet recommended intakes should consult a health-care professional beforehand.
Ref
Clin Interv Aging
. 2013 Jun 19;8:741–748. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S45399
Nutrients for the aging eye
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