Results of a double-blind study were recently published in the journal, Nutrition, show people with age-related cataracts who took 6mg of lutein and 45 mg of vitamin E per day, had "significant improvements in visual acuity – approximately 63%- and glare sensitivity also improved.

The people in the study who were given a placebo actually had the opposite effects. Their visual acuity actually decreased or worsened.

Note: Taking 2 capsules per day of One Life’s Vision Guard supplies you with 6mg of lutein. Taking 2 One Life Advanced Anti- Oxidant or 1 One Life All Natural Vitamin E gelcap per day - more than covers the amount of vitamin E taken by those in this study.


Cataract

What is it? A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally clear lens of the eye, resulting in progressively obscured vision. Blindness from cataracts is preventable, yet it accounts for one out of every seven cases of blindness in people 45 and older.

Symptoms? Common ones include cloudy or blurry vision, double vision, problems adjusting to changes in light, poor night vision and the need for frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription.
Can cataracts be prevented? No, but it can be delayed. Wear a broad-rimmed hat and sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection when you’re outdoors. Quit Smoking (numerous studies have linked cigarette smoking with the development of cataracts). Cut back on salt (a recent study found people whose diets were highest in salt had twice the risk of developing cataracts. Supplement with vitamins (various studies confirm vitamins C and E, certain B vitamins, and zeaxanthin and lutein help reduce cataract risk).

Macular Degeneration

What is it? Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a disease that affects the macula, the part of the retina that’s responsible for central, straight-ahead vision. ARMD is the leading cause of legal blindness in North America. It is the most common cause of visual impairment in people over 50, and it destroys central vision.

Am I at risk? Age is the biggest risk factor for developing ARMD. Others include: A family history of ARMD, cigarette smoking, long-term exposure to sunlight, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol.
Symptoms? Slightly blurring vision is the most common warning sign. You may need more reading light, and you may have trouble recognizing faces until they are very close to you. As dry ARMD progresses, you may see a blurred spot in the center of your vision that gets bigger and darker with time.

Can ARMD be prevented? Many eye specialists feel it can. Recent research indicates that taking anti-oxidant vitamins, especially vitamin E, lutein and zinc are beneficial. Experts feel the connection is free radical damage. Free radicals damage healthy cells and are formed as a by-product of metabolism. The macula has the highest rate of metabolism in the body. Anti-oxidants can neutralize free radicals, preventing them from harming healthy cells. Recent research shows promise in promoting healthy vision with vitamin C, beta-carotene, bilberry, eyebright, Ginkgo biloba and L-taurine.