I strongly advise you to use these strategies in your daily life to protect your vision:

1. Eat dark green veggies: Spinach, kale, collard greens, and other deep-colored vegetables contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which help reduce the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.  Eating the Smart Healthy way will provide you with these important nutrients.
    
2. Boost antioxidants: Foods such as berries, oranges, plums, and cherries help minimize free-radical damage, which can quicken the hardening of lenses and contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration.  Shop your local farmer’s market to purchase locally, organically grown fruits and veggies.
    
3. Get your vitamins: A National Eye Institute study showed that supplements with vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and the minerals copper and zinc slowed the progression of advanced macular degeneration. Vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid may also help.  Douglas Labs has the perfect product for your eye health.  It’s called “Macushield”.  Its Formula number is 85014.
    
4. Increase omega-3 fatty acids: Omega 3s can help maintain the eyes’ protective tear film, minimize dry eyes, and even prevent cataracts. Eat salmon, halibut and tuna or find a fish-oil supplement such as Douglas Labs’ “Opti-EPA Enteric-Coated” softgel.  Its Formula number is 99276.
    
5. Crunch on carrots: Orange vegetables like carrots, pumpkin and butternut squash contain beta-carotene, a carotenoid that may help keep eyes healthy.  Again, shop your local farmer’s market to purchase locally, organically grown fruits and veggies.
   
6. Wear sunglasses: It’s important to wear sunglasses with dark lenses that filter out 100% of UV rays whenever you’re outside to prevent hardening of the lenses and development of cataracts and macular degeneration.
    
7. Kick up the cardio: Studies have indicated that aerobic exercise can decrease the pressure inside the eyes, helping reduce the risk for glaucoma. Aim for three 30-minute workouts a week.  If you’re not yet being personally trained by Dr.Joe, now is the time.