That vision thing - author comments on responsibility of parents in caring for children's eyes and diet - Editorial

Vegetarian Times, August, 2003 by Laurel Lund

No more teen preening for me! I had just turned 12, an awkward age under the best of circumstances. And suddenly I was an experiment in the making. I had just gotten a mouthful of braces--which in the late '50s and early '60s meant heavy metal--when I received the news that I would need glasses to mitigate my myopia. Although I made it through my teens with only a bit of good-natured teasing from well-meaning friends, I'm still thrilled that medical science later made it possible for me to wear contacts and--in recent years--to have my nearsightedness corrected through LASIK surgery.

Looking back, I'm also thankful my parents made sure I got the best eye care possible, especially when I realize that more than 13 million other baby boomers are already showing signs of age-related macular degeneration. Prevent Blindness America reports that nearly 1 million Americans over age 40 are legally blind, and another 2.3 million are visually impaired--figures that have doubled in the last 30 years and are expected to double again over the next 30.

August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, which should remind us that as a society, we need to educate parents about the vision problems our children may face--and about what can be done to safeguard the eyesight of future generations. Encourage your children to wear sunglasses to prevent damage to the cornea, lens and retina. Help teen girls wearing makeup for the first time choose cosmetics that won't endanger their eyes (see "The Eyes Have It," p. 31).

And teach your offspring to eat healthful diets. Childhood obesity has reached alarming levels, which can have serious consequences for eyesight. Obesity can lead to diabetes, which in turn may result in impaired vision.

A healthful diet should include plenty of carrots, kale and spinach--foods rich in carotenoids that strengthen the retina's ability to fight macular degeneration. Antioxidants such as vitamin C can have the same effect--plus help protect against cataracts. Vitamins A, C and E, folic acid, selenium and zinc--found in leafy green vegetables, carrots, citrus fruits and melons--are also important for maintaining good vision. And collard greens provide lutein, beneficial for the macula.

"A diet high in such fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat and sugar will help not only your eyes but also your overall health," says Lighthouse International, a leading source of information about vision impairment and rehabilitation. You know, it's that vision thing!

GRILLING TIPS

Write and tell us about your best summer grilling tip for vegetarian fare--whether entree, side dish or dessert! Email me at llund@sabot.net.