All this month, ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center has been letting people know that March is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month. We have joined with the American Society of Retina Specialists, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Retina Society and the Macula Society in encouraging all adults to be tested for this serious eye disease.

Every year, approximately 10 million Americans are diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration. It is one of the leading causes of blindness and vision loss for Americans over the age of 50. As Age-Related Macular Degeneration progresses, the macula of the eye slowly deteriorates and causes fuzzy, distorted vision and blind spots. More information on this disease can be found on the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Get Eye Smart's site.

As researchers continue to work to find a cure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, they have discovered that a healthy diet is beneficial in slowing the progression or reducing the risk of developing this disease. Some foods they recommend include:

• Leafy green vegetables that are high in Lutein and Zeaxanthin, such as broccoli, spinach and collard greens
• Fish, nuts and vegetable oils that are rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Carrots, mangos, sweet potatoes and other dark orange and yellow-colored vegetables and fruits that contain Beta Carotene

For additional information on the best vitamins and minerals for healthy eyes, click on Clearview’s Feast Your Eyes on This page.