We all know eating a healthy diet has many positive benefits, but did you know it could be preventing eye diseases? Here are a list of 6 Foods that could be saving your vision and other tips! Foods that are full of vitamins like C and E, zinc, lutein and omega-3âs are extremely beneficial for eye health!  According to Age-Related Eye Diseases Study (AREDS) these nutrients are linked to a lower risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract and dry eye later in life.  Itâs always a good idea start incorporating healthy foods into your diet no matter how late or early in life we begin. Here are 6 foods the be incorporating into your diet: People who have diabetes or AMD or are at risk for eye diseases and can benefit by following a low-glycemic index diet.  A low-glycemic index diet contains foods that do not raise the blood sugar in the body. For more information on the low-glycemic diet click here! People with AMD may be able to slow the progression of the disease by taking a special nutrient supplement developed as a result of the AREDS2 research.  Supplements like PRN have been developed because of the AREDS2 study! . The formula includes: Vitamin C (500 mg); Vitamin E (400 IU); Lutein (10 mg); Zeaxanthin (2 mg); Zinc oxide (80 mg); and Copper oxide (2 mg). PRN has a few supplements for eye health click here to read more about the supplements and where to purchase them. This is promising news for people who are at risk for, or already have AMD. But before stocking up on these supplements, be sure to talk with one of our Eye Doctors to learn if they are recommended for you. Some people should not take large doses of antioxidants or zinc for medical reasons. People who smoke should ask their physician before taking the original AREDS supplement, because one of the ingredients, beta carotene, as been associated with a higher risk of lung cancer in smokers or people who have recently quit smoking. An alternate version of the original AREDS supplement formulated to be safe for smokers is available. Our Eye Doctors can give you more information on this option. As you think about ways to improve your eye health, remember: vitamins and nutritional supplements are not a cure for eye disease, nor will they give you back vision that you may have already lost. But good nutrition at all ages is vital for your entire body, and plays an important role in maintaining healthy eyes. Hopefully you found these 6 Foods that could be saving your vision helpful!  Talk with one of our Eye Doctors about any concerns you have about your eye health or call 480-994-1872 to make an appointment!
UPDATE:Scottsdale Eye Employees Spreading Holiday Cheer to the Less Fortunate
Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeonsâ lead technician Shanta McFarland is making the season a little brighter for one Phoenix family. McFarland partnered with Phoenix Childrenâs Hospital to âadoptâ a family of six, including the familyâs five-year-old child who is receiving treatment at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. UPDATE: From; Shanta McFarland “I want to say thank you to everyone who helped by donating to my adopted family. Together, we were able to give the family of six over six hundred dollars worth of toys, household items and gift cards! The generosity of my family, friends and coworkers never ceases to amaze me. You guys are absolutely wonderful!”Below is the list of gifts the family will receive: 3 bikes 3 helmets 3 backpacks 4 complete outfits 9 toys 5 games 12 movies 4 books 6 blankets 6 towels 2 hand towels 2 wash cloths $125 gift card to Fry’s
Contact lens-related eye infections
If you wear contact lenses, chances are you have had at least one eye infection. While common, contact lens-related eye infections it can lead to more serious complications if not properly treated. Symptoms of contact lens-related infections may include blurry vision, unusual redness of the eye, pain in the eye, tearing or discharge from the eye, increased light sensitivity, or the sensation of something in your eye, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Safe handling, storage, and cleaning of your lenses are key steps to reduce your risk of infection. Â Learn more at: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/contact-lens-related-infections.cfm
Study says wine can reduce vision loss
If you like to drink wine, youâll be happy to know that a new study out of the University of Wisconsin suggests that moderate wine consumption can lower the risk of long-term visual impairment. Led by Dr. Ronald Klein of Wisconsinâs Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, researchers analyzed data from the Beaver Dam Eye Study, a 20-year look at nearly 6,000 43- to 84-year-old adults in Beaver Dam, Wis. Â Subjects also reported various lifestyle factors, including their smoking, drinking and exercise habits. The study concluded that moderate drinkers who exercise regularly and do not smoke have better odds of maintaining their eyesight. Â These lifestyle habits may be associated with other factors, such as diet, that correlate with vision quality. Read the entire study and findings at: http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/50176
Scottsdale Eye Physicians & Surgeons donated a slit lamp to the Arizona Medical Eye Unit
The Arizona Medical Eye Unit (AMEU) began in 1976 as a rural outreach program for patients without access to an ophthalmologist (a medical and surgical eye physician, or eye MD). The program was a collaborative effort with the University of Arizona Department of Ophthalmology and hundreds of Arizona Ophthalmology Society volunteer ophthalmologists. Greg King has been Acting Director since its inception. His success in establishing long-term relationships with rural clinics has allowed thousands of patients to receive timely and necessary eye care from a board certified ophthalmologist. The program expanded its scope in 2008 with the help of the Arizona Lions Eye Organization. Learn more at:Â http://www.azeyemds.org/
New research: Could blood pressure medication contribute to Age-related Macular Degeneration?
American Academy of Ophthalmology states that Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness among Americans age 65 and older and affects an estimated 11 million people in the United States. Some studies have also found an association between AMD and high blood pressure, but this has been inconsistent. In addition to increased age, the cause of AMD may be attributed to several risk factors, including hereditary risk and smoking. The researchers found that using any vasodilator such as Apresoline and Loniten, which open (dilate) the blood vessels â was associated with a greater risk of developing early-stage AMD. Among people who were not taking vasodilators, an estimated 8.2 percent developed signs of early AMD. In comparison, among those taking a vasodilator medication, 19.1 percent developed the disease. Read the full report at: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/eye-health-news/blood-pressure-drugs-and-amd.cfm
Prevent a workplace eye injury
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 300,000 people visit an emergency room annually for workplace eye injuries, nearly half occur in professions such as manufacturing, construction, and mining. These injuries range from eyestrain to severe trauma, which could cause permanent damage and even vision loss. Make sure to protect your eyes by always wearing protective eyewear. The most common causes of eye injuries include flying objects, tools, particles, chemicals, and other hazards. If you think an eye injury has occurred, be sure to get medical attention immediately. For more information about workplace eye injuries, protection, and treatment, visit: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/living/eye-injuries-work.cfm
Protect your eyes this Fourth of July
Avoid injury this Fourth of July by knowing how to protect yourself from fireworks. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 9,000 firework injuries happen every year, and 47 percent are bystanders. If you or someone you know experiences a firework eye injury, be sure to get medical attention immediately. Some other tips on what to avoid include: Donât rub your eyes Donât rinse your eyes Donât apply pressure Donât remove objects stuck in your eye Learn more about staying safe this Independence Day by visiting:Â http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/eye-health-news/fireworks-injuries-infographic.cfm
Summer safety
With the official launch of summer, it is an important reminder to protect your eyes from the blazing sun. Did you know that sunlight could increase your chances for developing cataracts, growths on the eye, and cancer? Experts from the American Academy of Ophthalmology say that UV radiation can damage the eyeâs surface tissues, cornea, and lens. Proper eye protection is encouraged from an early age to prevent ultraviolet ray exposure. Not sure if your sunglasses have UV protection? Look for sunglasses that protect from both UV-A and UV-B rays. Still unsure which sunglasses to choose? Talk to our experienced optician, JanetLynne Schultz, at Scottsdale Eye Physicians and Surgeons for help or for more information. We offer a free test that will quickly tell if your glasses have UV protection.Â
Testing for color blindness
Research proves that testing for color blindness as early as 4 can help children succeed in school. Children with color vision deficiency may perform poorly on tests or other assignments. If the student and their parents are unaware of the issue, those students may struggle in class, leading teachers to group them in the wrong academic track at school. Despite the name, color blindness is not a type of blindness, but an inability to see colors accurately. The most common form of color blindness is genetic and involves a mutation or lack of genes that help the eye see red or green. This genetic deficit is presenting 5 percent in males and 1 percent in females. Learn more about the study: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/eye-health-news/testing-children-for-color-blindness.cfm