According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.2 billion people globally suffer from vision impairment, most above age 50. Moreover, severe vision loss rises with age; approximately 1% of individuals between ages 50-54 are legally blind, compared with 20% in those age 85 and older.
Age-related vision loss can negatively impact one’s healthspan and quality of life in many ways, including limiting daily activities such as reading, using a device, and being independent. Vision impairment increases fall risk. It can lead to social isolation and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The economic burden of vision loss is substantial, estimated to be over $130 billion in the United States alone.
In at least 1 billion of individuals affected, the WHO states that vision impairment could have been prevented. With early diagnosis and treatment, alongside nutrition and lifestyle interventions, studies have shown that vision loss and its associated negative impacts can be avoided.
This presentation entitled, “Longevity of Vision: Preserving 20/20 for Life Using the Power of Nutrition and Lifestyle,” will delve into preventative and integrative strategies targeting three common age-related eye conditions: dry eye syndrome, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.
Dry eye syndrome (DES) has a prevalence of over 50% amongst individuals over 40, and predominantly affects postmenopausal women. Inflammation of the eyelids’ meibomian glands, co-morbid autoimmune conditions (i.e. autoimmune thyroid disease, lupus, and Sjögren’s), toxin exposure, hormonal fluctuations, and/or gut dysbiosis significantly impact DES. The scientific evidence using diet and supplementation, focusing on omega fatty acids and antioxidants, will be discussed for their roles in reducing inflammation and supporting a healthy ocular surface. The use of topical hypochlorous acid, hormone preparations, thermal pulsation treatment, and photobiomodulation may help alleviate DES.
Cataracts affect over 20 million Americans, and their prevalence rises with age, being 3.9% between 55–64 years and 92.6% at age 80 years and older. Cataracts develop from cumulative oxidative stress (i.e.nexcessive ultraviolet exposure), leading to opacification of the eye’s natural lens. Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E and UV protection are key in the fight against cataracts. Additionally, carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin can have protective effects against photo-oxidative damage. A low glycemic diet and avoidance of advanced glycation end-products are also crucial in cataract prevention.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affects at least 200 million people globally, with advanced age being a major risk factor. AMD causes degeneration of the macula, responsible for 20/20 vision. AMD disproportionately affects women, presumably due to longer life expectancy and hormonal differences. Standard of care includes supplementation and intravitreal injections. Preventative strategies include an antioxidant diet rich in the macular carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin), omega-3 fatty acids, and avoidance of ultra processed foods. Based on early research, additional bioactives (i.e., meso-zeaxanthin, crocin/crocetin, sulforaphane, and astaxanthin) show promise for AMD, as do weight management, photobiomodulation, and a healthy gut microbiome.
An integrative approach to managing age-related vision changes is key to ensuring longevity of vision. By incorporating targeted nutritional and lifestyle strategies with traditional approaches and emerging technologies, providers can help patients preserve and protect vision, and thus enjoy healthy vision during their lifespan.
Session Learning Objectives:
1.) Understand the nutrient needs of the various structures of the eye (ocular surface, lens, retina, and optic nerve).
2.) List the 3 common eye conditions that develop with increasing age (dry eye, cataract, and macular degeneration) and describe the symptoms, signs, and demographics of each.
3.) Describe evidence-based approaches to vision health based in diet and lifestyle modifications for each of the 3 conditions above.
