Grapes vs Carrots

 

Generations of children have had to be cajoled into eating their carrots 🥕 with the promise that the vegetables are good for their eyesight. Now new research has delivered a much sweeter deal, revealing that eating grapes is good for the eyes and could reduce the risk of going blind later in life.

The fruit protects against a chemical process known as oxidative stress, which releases harmful molecules called free radicals into the retina, the study found.

Grapes are rich in antioxidants that protect healthy cells from DNA damage and it is believed these compounds are behind the eyesight benefits. Eating grapes may help protect eye health, according to new research published in the journal Nutrition, in keeping with previous studies that indicate grape-derived compounds are biologically active in the retina.

The retina is the part of the eye that contains the cells that respond to light, known as photoreceptors. Retinal degenerative diseases cause progressive photoreceptor death and irreversible vision impairment, including blindness, affecting millions of people in the U.S. Elevated oxidative stress is strongly associated with retinal disease and has been widely studied in the development of age-related macular degeneration and other retinal degenerations.

Widely recognised as a superfood, grapes are packed with vitamins C and K and beta- carotene, which help rid the body of free radicals, by-products of oxygen use that cause cellular damage.

And in further benefits, research by scientists at the University of Glasgow found that the antioxidant benefits of drinking purple grape juice could also reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

These results are very exciting and build on the growing evidence that suggests a very real benefit for grape consumption and eye health along with your yearly eye exams.

(909)596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 (909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784 #drkennethboyerOD #drbrianboyerOD #eyewear www.drboyeroptometrist.com

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(909) 596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

(909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784  www.drboyeroptometrist.com

 

August: Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

August is dedicated to preventing eye injuries and vision loss and saving children’s eyesight. One of 20 children ages 3 to 5 has a vision problem that could result in permanent vision if left untreated. Despite this unsettling statistics, 80 percent of preschoolers do not receive an eye screening. Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month encourages parents to learn how to protect their child’s eyesight and save their child’s eyesight from vision threatening conditions through regular eye exams.

How Important Is It To Have An Eye Exam?

Children should have an eye exam at 6 months and this must be repeated at age 3. Once they start school, eye exams must be done regularly. About 80% of what children learn in school is taught visually, which means if a child has undetected and uncorrected vision problem, it will affect the child’s development and performances in school. Some warning signs that your child may be experiences vision problems are:

• Tilting the head or squinting to see the class board better or when watching TV
• Frequent eye rubbing when he’s trying to concentrate on something.
• Holding a book too close to his eyes or often sitting close to the TV.
• Consistently using his fingers to guide his eyes when reading.
• Closing one eye to read or watch TV.
• Excessive tearing without any tear-causing stimuli.
• Eye discomfort when using a computer or any digital device i.e digital eye strain.
• Sensitivity to light, which is sometimes accompanied by headache or nausea.
• Wandering eyes.

Special Tips on Children’s Eye Health and Safety 

Early detection of vision conditions is crucial. Red flags that a child may have a vision problem, are uneven focus, amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes). Lazy eye is often corrected if treatment started at an early age; however, successful treatment is rarely achieved if treatment has started after a child reaches 8 or 9 years old.

Protect your child from eye injuries by ensuring your children’s toys are age-appropriate and not a danger to their eyes. Check if your child’s toys or stuff are free of sharp or protruding parts that could accidentally poke the eyes. Fireworks are also detrimental to your child’s safety, as it can cause blindness if not handled correctly. 

Be aware that eye injuries can happen anytime, anywhere. Eye injuries are often caused by sports or physical activities, 90% could have been avoided if the child had worn protective eyewear, such as polycarbonate lenses fitted by an eye care professional. These lenses can withstand a ball traveling 90mph as it is 20 times stronger than ordinary eyeglasses.

It’s important to know that at Dr Boyer optometry we specialize in helping you keep your child’s vision healthy and obtain early diagnosis in case your child is suffering from vision problems, through a regular eye exam.  

(909)596-6756  2443 Foothill LaVerne CA 91750 

(909) 982-0100  1637 Mountain Ave Upland CA 91784  www.drboyeroptometrist.com