Vision Impairment And The Facts

In 2022 approximately 12 million people in the United States, aged 40 and above suffer from vision impairment, with about a million suffering from blindness. Globally there are over  2.2 billion people with eye and vision problems (WHO). Vision loss is a common part of aging and the main cause of vision loss in people older than 40 years of age. Numerous circumstances like stress, smoking, sunlight, and medication contribute to vision loss. For many people, vision loss occurs somewhere in the middle of that spectrum, “legally blind” or “low vision.” A large percentage of individuals with vision loss aren’t completely blind. Nevertheless, vision loss occurs when a person’s eyesight is not correct for a “normal” level, and it can vary significantly among children and occurs due to many factors.  However, they suffer from low vision. Therefore, low vision is a vision problem that makes it difficult to do routine and everyday activities, and it can be characterized by an extensive range from minor vision loss to complete blindness.

Vision Loss Due To Common Eye Diseases And Disorders 

Vision loss occurs when there is damage to the eye itself, an incorrect eye shape, and/or a problem in the brain. Symptoms of vision loss are issues with normal activities like identifying objectives/people, reading mail, watching television, signing your name, paying bills, or walking up and down stairs. Another indication of vision loss is when someone squints a lot in order to see clearly.

Classifications Of Visual Impairment

A number like 20/30 to 20/60 reflects mild vision loss or near-normal vision, and  20/70 to 20/160 is a moderate visual impairment or moderate low vision. 20/200 or worse, this is considered a severe visual impairment, or severe low vision.

• 20/30 to 20/60 – mild vision loss, or near-normal vision.
• 20/70 to 20/160–  moderate visual impairment, or moderate low vision.
• 20/200 or worse – a severe visual impairment, or severe low vision.
• 20/500 to 20/1000 – profound visual impairment or profound low vision.
• Less than 20/1000 – near-total visual impairment or near-total low vision.
• No light perception – total visual impairment, or total blindness.

(The World Health Organization. When the vision in the better eye with the best possible glasses)

How To Prevent/Fix Vision Loss

• Diabetic retinopathy is avoidable by controlling type 2 diabetes.
• Cataracts are preventable by wearing polarized sunglasses when you’re outside.
• Age-related vision loss is not preventable
• It can’t be fixed with glasses, contact lenses, or other standard treatments like medicine or surgery

Food That Promotes Healthy Eyes And Vision (WHO)

• Carrots. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which the body uses to make vitamin A. …
• Kale. Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli are rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are present in high concentrations in the retina. …
• Oysters.
• Raw Red Peppers. Bell peppers give you the most vitamin C per calorie. …
• Sunflower Seeds and Nuts
• Dark, Leafy Greens
• Salmon
• Sweet Potatoes
• Lean Meat and Poultry
• Beans and Legumes
• Eggs
• Strawberries
• Cranberries
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Berries are packed with nutritious vitamins and minerals and are of particular benefit in maintaining eye health

Foods  To Avoid (WHO)

• Simple Carbohydrates. While delicious, the carbs found in pasta and white bread have been linked to a higher risk of eye diseases. …
• Sodium. …
• Saturated fat and trans fat. …
• Condiments, toppings, and dressing. …
• Sweetened drinks.

Eating healthy and practicing best practice protocols can have a positive impact on your eyes’ health and vision. You must contact us immediately if you are experiencing eye impairment or vision loss symptoms. Consult with your eye doctor before doing anything.