Today Newspaper
GRANDMA was wise when she urged you to eat your carrots.
According to eye experts, antioxidants from coloured vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, pumpkin, kiwi and spinach, can help maintain eye health and prevent the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
AMD is a severe eye disease characterised bypro gressive degeneration of the macula, a small spot in the middle of the retina that is responsible for fine, sharp, straight-ahead vision. Most of the degenerative changes in the retina caused by AMD cannot be reversed, said Dr Ajeet Wagle, a consultant at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital's ophthalmology and visual sciences (OVS) department.
Dr Ajeet explained that such vegetables and fruits are rich in carotenoids, which are essential natural antioxidants found in the macular area of the retina at the back of the eye. Carotenoids cannot be produced within the body, and can only be obtained through one's diet.
"The natural carotenoids, namely lutein and zeaxanthin, are powerful antioxidants and protect the retina from oxidative damage," said Dr Ajeet. Carrots, he added, are rich in beta-carotene that can be converted to vitamin A in the body.
A lack of vitamin A is often associated with poor vision in dim places and at night. In developed countries, AMD is the most common cause of blindness among people aged over 60. At OVS at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, about 100 new cases of AMD are diagnosed every month.
Unfortunately, not many people are aware of the important role vitamins and antioxidants play in eye health. A study conducted by OVS at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital showed that 12.4 per cent ofthe 411 eye patients surveyed were consuming vitamin supplements for eye health.
Only 4.7 per cent of them were aware of the contents of the supplements they were taking. It also found that less than half of the respondents had consulted a specialist or general practitioner before taking the supplements.
Halt AMD progression with vitamins?
Based on recommendations by the United States-based National Eye Institute, a combination of vitamin C (500mg), vitamin E (400IU), beta-carotene (15mg) and zinc (80mg) can help prevent the progression of intermediate to more advanced forms of AMD. Dr Ajeet emphasised that this formulation of vitamins and antioxidants will not help those with early AMD.
Although they are available as over-the-counter supplements, Dr Ajeet cautioned AMD sufferers against taking them without consulting their eye doctors. "The formulation contains very high doses of antioxidants which may interfere with other medications and interact with other nutrients to decrease absorption into the body. Patients who are being treated for other chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes should also consult their doctors before taking it," he said.
GRANDMA was wise when she urged you to eat your carrots.
According to eye experts, antioxidants from coloured vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, pumpkin, kiwi and spinach, can help maintain eye health and prevent the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
AMD is a severe eye disease characterised by
Dr Ajeet explained that such vegetables and fruits are rich in carotenoids, which are essential natural antioxidants found in the macular area of the retina at the back of the eye. Carotenoids cannot be produced within the body, and can only be obtained through one's diet.
"The natural carotenoids, namely lutein and zeaxanthin, are powerful antioxidants and protect the retina from oxidative damage," said Dr Ajeet. Carrots, he added, are rich in beta-carotene that can be converted to vitamin A in the body.A lack of vitamin A is often associated with poor vision in dim places and at night. In developed countries, AMD is the most common cause of blindness among people aged over 60. At OVS at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, about 100 new cases of AMD are diagnosed every month.
Unfortunately, not many people are aware of the important role vitamins and antioxidants play in eye health. A study conducted by OVS at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital showed that 12.4 per cent of
Only 4.7 per cent of them were aware of the contents of the supplements they were taking. It also found that less than half of the respondents had consulted a specialist or general practitioner before taking the supplements.Halt AMD progression with vitamins?
Based on recommendations by the United States-based National Eye Institute, a combination of vitamin C (500mg), vitamin E (400IU), beta-carotene (15mg) and zinc (80mg) can help prevent the progression of intermediate to more advanced forms of AMD. Dr Ajeet emphasised that this formulation of vitamins and antioxidants will not help those with early AMD.
Although they are available as over-the-counter supplements, Dr Ajeet cautioned AMD sufferers against taking them without consulting their eye doctors. "The formulation contains very high doses of antioxidants which may interfere with other medications and interact with other nutrients to decrease absorption into the body. Patients who are being treated for other chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes should also consult their doctors before taking it," he said.
