Low vision is a medical condition that affects the clarity of your sight. If you have low vision, you may have difficulty seeing well enough to read, drive, or to recognize the faces of people you know. While this condition is permanent, there are solutions that may help prevent it from worsening, and often, diet plays a big role. Your eye doctor in Wilmington and Charlotte, NC, can give you tips for preventing and managing low vision.

Free Radicals and the Formation of Cataracts

Nutrients such as zinc, selenium, riboflavin, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotene are all helpful in protecting the eyes from free radicals. Free radicals are a natural result of oxidative stress. They’re present in everyone, and they contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and atherosclerosis. Where the eyes are concerned, they contribute to the formation of cataracts, a leading cause of blindness in the United States. By eating a diet high in healthy nutrients, you may lower your risk of developing both cataracts and macular degeneration — two conditions that contribute to low vision.

Low-Vision Prevention

Vision problems often manifest with age. However, by eating a healthy diet filled with leafy greens, berries, and foods high in carotene, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, you may lessen your risk of developing eye conditions, including low vision. And by switching to a healthier diet after diagnosis, managing conditions such as diabetes, and seeking ongoing treatment from your eye professional, it may be possible to prevent your condition from worsening.

Help for Low Vision in Wilmington and Charlotte, NC

If you’re experiencing low vision in Wilmington, and Charlotte, NC, Low Vision Centers of North Carolina can help. Call today to schedule an eye exam and to discuss options for managing your condition.