A high sugar diet affects the body in many different ways, all of which put your health at risk. Widely known is the increased risk of obesity (defined by a high Body Mass Index or BMI), but an equally serious effect that is often neglected when discussing high sugary foods is the connection between excessive sugar ingestion and vision impairments. It is the intention of this article to explain how a “sugar addiction” can damage your vision severely.

There are several vision impairments that are directly caused by a high sugar diet. The most severe is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as it is the number one cause for vision loss in United States – incidentally also the home of the most obese people in the developed world.

AMD affects the macula of the eye, which is located in the center of the retina, and controls your central vision. The fovea is located in the center of the macula where vision focus and sharpness is determined.

This disease is primarily age-related and people over 60 are at greater risk of developing the disease. The risk is about 30% in people over 75 years old and about 200,000 new cases are reported in the US each year. In its early stages, AMD displays no symptoms, but once advanced, the recipient may experience blurry vision and blind spots in the center field of vision.¹

Image: sxc.hu

The link between high sugar foods and macular degeneration has been confirmed by a number of studies. In the U.S, at Tufts University, a study was made based on documentation of over 4,000 adults in the ages 55-80. The study could not entirely rule out other contributing factors, but showed a strong connection between the consumption of foods that increase blood sugar levels and AMD.²

However, there are also foods that will improve eyesight and help prevent eye diseases from developing. By replacing snacks, trans fat and sugar with natural foods like fish, grains, vegetables and fruits you will not only reduce the risk of getting age-related macular degeneration, you will also prevent Glaucoma.

AMD-friendly foods:

• Whole grains
• Antioxidants
• Vegetables
• Legumes

Glaucoma-friendly foods:

• Salmon
• Broccoli
• Fish oil and liver oil
• Walnuts
• Cabbage
• Green leafy veggies

Also note that high sugar diets, or over consumption of refined sugars, may also accelerate the development of Myopia (nearsightedness). This means that, should you become nearsighted, refined sugars can exacerbate the condition quickly, thus increasing the needed optical power of your corrective eyewear. By severely decreasing your intake of sugars and refined carbs, you can decelerate the process and keep your contact lenses or glasses longer.^{3 4}

In conclusion, in order to avoid AMD, Glaucoma, and severe Myopia, you must decrease your intake of high sugar foods. Obesity and heart related diseases aside, a diet of extensive amounts of sugar can cause partial to complete vision loss.

Anders Wedin, OD is the in-house optometrist at LensShopper.com, a consumer guide to buying contact lenses and general eye care information.

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¹ macular-degeneration.org

² Chiu, CJ, Milton, R.C., Ferris III, F.L., Gensler, G, and Taylor A. Dietary carbohydrate and glycemic index in relation to Age-Related Macular Degeneration – The Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Am J Clin Nut. 2007;86:180-188.

³ Edwards MH. Do variations in normal nutrition play a role in the development of myopia? Optom Vis Sci 73(10):638-43, 1996

⁴ Gardiner PA. Dietary treatment of myopia in children. Lancet i:1152-5, 1958

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Dump Sugar Addiction, Avoid Eye Disease

Where to find these nutrients. Here are a few clues:

Lutein and zeaxanthin – Colorful fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, green beans, peas, oranges and tangerines

essential fatty acids – fish like tuna, salmon, or herring as well as whole grain foods, chicken, and eggs

vitamin C – oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers, and tomatoes

vitamin E – safflower or corn oil, almonds, pecans, sweet potatoes, and sunflower seeds

zinc – extra-lean red meat, poultry, liver, shellfish, milk, baked beans, and whole grains

(photo credit: Newscom)

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Eat Better for Better Vision

Here’s who you need to call:

1. Your primary care practioner. You may be surprised to know that PCPs do more than just hook you up with antibiotics when you get strep from the kids or develop a UTI. They also provide preventive maintenance, for lack of a better term. Get a full physical, including a blood work-up, and make sure everything is working the way it’s supposed to.
2. Your ob/gyn. That annual exam really is important! Your doc can answer any questions you may have about stuff that’s going on down there, can remind you of the right way to do your breast self-exam, and provide valuable screening for cancer and sexually transmitted infections — all of which can save your life.
3. Your eye doctor. Even if you hate those glasses, you need to make sure they’re the right prescription, or they can cause lasting damage to your eyes. As we age, our vision changes. That’s why you need to make sure you’re getting an exam at least every 12 months, or more frequently if you notice eye strain or blurred vision.
4. Your dentist. Keep those pearly whites pearly white, and prevent and detect gum disease and all other kinds of lovelies from wreaking havoc in your mouth. And soon, your dental exam might also be an opportunity to screen for osteoporosis and breast cancer!

Now, grab that phone and start making those appointments. And when you’re all done, make one last phone call: to the salon to schedule a pamper session as a reward for your responsible health behavior.

Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King

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Time for Your Annual Check-Up!