Dietary Modification in Geriatrics Eye Disease

 

Mj Omeiza Ishaq 

Vision loss is a pervasive health impairment affecting over 400 million people worldwide. The eye is considerably affected by aging. Indeed, the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness increase exponentially with age. 

Dietary modification became very essential in geriatric eye following researches conducted that have proven that micro and macro nutritional elements like lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, copper and carotenoid could reduce the progression of age related eye diseases like ARMD, cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. In age-related eye disease studies (AREDS), approximately 25% reduction in cases like ARMD has been established. 

Multivitamins/minerals also demonstrated a reduction in the progression of nuclear cataract, but increased the risk of posterior sub capsular cataract during clinical trials. The eye suffers from oxidative stress as seen in retinal degenerative diseases like glaucoma and ARMD. Cataract also occurs in most cases as a result of oxidation of the structural proteins in crystalline lens which lead to aggregation and hinder the transparency of the lens. 

Today, in clinical practice multivitamins containing elements like retinoids and vitamin C. Oral and topical antioxidants containing lutein and zeaxanthin are prescribed as an adjunct in the management and treatment of geriatric eye diseases like cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. As a primary eye care practitioner it becomes important not just to prescribe drugs for our geriatric patients but to also advise them to enhance and modify their nutritional intakes through food and fruits like grapes, carrots, pepper, ginger and green vegetables.

References 

G.E Bunce et.al,. Journal of nutritional biochemistry volume 5, February 1994. 

K.L Bright et.al,. Journal of Nutrition, Health & aging. 

Roberto Pinelli, Ebraham Elbonny(2010), Nutrition and the eye,Jaypee brothers medical publisher.  Nutritional effects on ocular diseases on ageing eye, Pubmed. December 2013. 

Sarah G. Francisco et.al Dietary patterns, carbohydrates and age related eye diseases.