The Ocular Nutrition Society (ONS) issued the following statement regarding the urgent need to educate Americans about the role of nutrition in supporting eye health:

Significant scientific evidence exists to support the role of certain nutrients, including zinc, vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, to help promote health in the aging eye. The displacement of nutrient-dense foods by processed foods in the Western, or American, diet is disconcerting, as is the lack of awareness of key nutrients and other modifiable risk factors that impact eye health. The lack of key diet-derived nutrients is a modifiable risk factor for protecting eye health, and eating a healthy diet rich in these nutrients is encouraged.

The National Eye Institute estimates that over the next 30 years, the number of Americans that experience eye health issues will double because of aging baby boomers. The demand for vision care service is expected to flood the healthcare system by 2015 due to age-related eye disease and the diabetes epidemic.

Nutrition for Healthy Eyes

_{Source: Ocular Nutrition Society}

The sun's rays are harmful, especially to your little ones' eyes. Some parents are diligent about making their kids wear their sunglasses outside, but some say their kids just won't keep them on.

How about you? How do you persuade your children to protect their eyes with shades?

Getting Your Toddler to Wear Sunglasses

A mild winter may have cut us a break on colds and flu, but it's making up for it with an early gust of spring allergy woes. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 26 million Americans endure chronic seasonal allergies.

Fortunately, eye allergies can be curtailed and sometimes even prevented by following a few simple recommendations from California Optometric Association (COA). Here are a few tips to keep in mind in order to help fight off spring allergies and enjoy the blooming season!

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
2. Talk to your optometrist about changing your cleaning method of using sing-use contact lenses
3. Try to reduce time wearing contact lenses and replace old lenses as directed
4. Get a comprehensive annual eye exam

_{Source: Brittany Kang, for California Optometric Association}

Many of us complain of eye allergies during this time of the year. However, a couple of eye allergies can be very serious. Atopic and vernal keratoconjunctivis are two types of eye allergies that can be much more severe and can actually be sight-threatening.

Serious Types of Eye Allergies