June is National Cataract Awareness Month. To celebrate the month, we take on this commonly known myth about carrots and vision.
Myth: Eating carrots will improve your vision.
Truth: No studies to date show that your eyesight will get sharper just by eating more carrots. In order for your eyes to function properly they need the nutrient Vitamin A which is found in carrots. Be sure to talk to a doctor before adding a vitamin A supplement to your diet because too much can be harmful to your health.
I recommend starting to visit the optometrist annually after the age of 40. Aging increases a possibility of a reduction in eyesight from health issues and eye disease. It is important to protect your vision by incorporating annual visits to the optometrist who can diagnose and treat visual health problems.
Visual impairment can result from several medical conditions such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma or macular degenerations. An optometrist is a licensed medical professional trained to prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision, diagnose and treat various eye diseases.
Your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits as you age as more rapid changes occur.