Sticking to a healthy diet significantly reduces the risk of visual impairment in the long-term for older adults. The findings come from a 10-year study of almost 2,000 Australians aged 65 and above.
Researchers from the Universities of Sydney, Melbourne and Wollongong in Australia carried out a population-based analysis of 3,654 participants from the Blue Mountains Eye Study, which measured visual acuity and dietary information to study links between nutrition and vision loss.
As part of the study, participants were measured at the start and at five and 10 years, and had to complete questionnaires relating to their diet which calculated a total diet score (TDS), including energy balance and the quality of the diet.
After 10 years, a total of 1,963 participants had completed questionnaires, providing data eligible for analysis. The results revealed a long-term trend of decreasing risk with improving diet. A higher TDS was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of visual impairment when compared with lower TDS values.
Nutrition is a key part of our eyecare philosophy. We offer supplements such as Lagad Lacrima to promote the production of tears for dry eye suffers, as well as Dietary Advice Consultations at the practice.