Visions of a healthy future

At Healthrageous, we know that eating a healthy diet impacts more than just the body – it also provides benefits for our eyes. That’s why we are sharing important information with our Medicare Advantage Meals Made Easy members to help them prevent future vision disorders and maintain optimal eye health. 

Many seniors do not receive an adequate amount of the vitamins and minerals needed to prevent two common vision problems that can develop with age: cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Other common eye problems include glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye disease. The risk of developing an eye disease increases with age. While the hands of time cannot be stopped, there are certain nutrients that can help with eye function, protect against harmful light, and keep age-related diseases at bay.

More than carrots

It is a cliché many of us have encountered before, to eat our carrots because they’re especially good for our eyes. However there are many other foods beyond carrots that are important for eye health. Foods that support healthy vision include those that are high in antioxidants and nutrients: 

• red meat, shellfish, chickpeas, and yogurt (zinc)
• cold water fish, flaxseed, and walnuts (omega-3 fatty acids
• leafy green vegetables and many yellow/orange items in the produce aisle (lutein and zeaxanthin)
• found in many fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts (vitamins A, C, and E)

Other foods that are good for our eyes include raw red peppers, sunflower seeds, almonds, salmon, sweet potatoes, chicken, eggs, squash, broccoli, brussel sprouts, legumes such as beans, and supplements that contain gamma-linolenic acid like primrose oil and starflower oil which can be found at most national drug stores. 

Dr. Ivana Kim, associate professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, recommends eating fish at least twice a week and at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily to maintain eye health. 

High blood pressure and eye problems

High blood pressure can contribute to poor eye health This is one of the reasons why it’s important for Medicare Advantage members to regularly monitor their blood pressure, making sure it stays below 120 (systolic) and 80 (diastolic). Anything above that is considered elevated or high. A heart-healthy diet is one of the many ways to control blood pressure which in-turn  protects eye health. 

Diabetes and eye problems

Another reason to maintain healthy blood pressure numbers is because doing so can play an important role in preventing or managing diabetic retinopathy, a vision problem some diabetics may develop. According to Web MD, “Retinal disorders affect the thin lining on the back of the eye. It’s made up of cells that collect visual images and pass them on to your brain. Problems with your retina affect this image transfer.” Additional ways to address this complication include controlling blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

Prevention is the best medicine

Eye problems may be overlooked due to a lack of any noticeable symptoms. That’s why scheduling regular visits with an eye care professional is recommended, especially as we age and for those with diabetes or high blood pressure. According to the National Institute on Aging, “Everyone over age 50 should have a dilated eye exam every year or as recommended by your eye care professional, even if you have good vision and don’t wear contacts or glasses.” Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent any eye disease from getting worse. 

The Cleveland Eye Clinic also recommends using the 20/20/20 rule when looking at a screen. They explain, “For every 20 minutes you spend staring at a screen, you must look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds straight.”

See how healthy foods can help your Medicare members

Healthrageous Made Easy Meals makes it easier for Medicare Advantage seniors to eat a healthy diet, helping to prevent vision issues before they begin. All of our nutritious and delicious meals are developed with seniors’ needs and health in mind – including their eyes. By providing easy-to-heat and eat meals, along with ongoing guidance and digital tools, we aim to make it easier for seniors to stay healthy. 

Activate your Medicare Advantage plan members with our convenient, diabetic and cardiac-friendly meals. Click HERE to request all the information your need.

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