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Each day Paul
takes 20 pills. This baby-boomer is not
sick.
 His
problem is that he is 50 years old. This
baby-boomer is rebelling against aging.
Like other baby-boomers who are gulping
down "anti-aging" therapies, he is well
educated and is willing to spend time and
money to keep himself in robust health. He
has spent the past five years trying to
turn back the clock with anti-aging
remedies. He does not want to get
cataracts or macular degeneration like his
grandparents did.
As an ophthalmologist, I see what seems to
be mounting evidence that antioxidants can
help prevent blindness. Was mother right
when she told us to eat our carrots and
eat our spinach? Can antioxidants possibly
prevent cataracts and aging changes that
blind our senior citizens?
An increasing number of scientists seem to
think so.
As an eye surgeon who specializes in laser
and cataract treatment, I have followed
this research for years. Many studies seem
to conclude that two leading causes of
blindness (cataracts and macular
degeneration) may be accelerated by
oxidation damage. This oxidation damage is
caused by three factors: our metabolism,
sunlight and cigarette smoking.
The theory is that antioxidants such as
Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene all help to
neutralize the damage.
It is understandable that everyone wants
to avoid blindness, surgery or drug
reactions. People today want safer
alternatives. I think it is very healthy
for everyone to be interested in
prevention, instead of waiting until
catastrophe strikes.
I believe it makes sense to try to prevent
blindness and accelerated aging for that
matter.
The truth is, good nutrition and eye
health go hand in hand. The evidence
suggests that the protections from
antioxidants in a balanced diet, added
supplements and salad, (and, yes, spinach
and carrots, too) may reduce the need for
drugs and surgery or laser when it comes
to the eye.
Providing antioxidant supplements, as well
as supplements of B-Complex vitamins, in
addition to a good diet makes good sense,
especially to any patient "at risk," or to
smokers. The hope is that cataracts and
macular degeneration will be delayed or
possibly prevented.
Recommending antioxidant (anti-aging)
therapy is not new. However, it is still
controversial. The people who believe in
it cannot praise it enough. The people who
do not believe in it understandably say
there is not enough proof or evidence.
The public should be wary of anti-aging
claims. Often such claims play on the
fears that aging and growing older are to
be avoided and can be avoided at all cost.
The recommendation right now would be to
remember your mother's advice: Eat all
your vegetables.
Until then, my recommendation is to keep
an open mind, but let the buyer beware.
Remember that no vitamin will work if you
are smoking, drinking, burning the candle
at both ends, and are not getting enough
exercise as a couch potato in front of the
TV.
With dietary changes, smoking cessation
and exercise, then taking an antioxidant
may very well help to lessen heart
disease, brain disease, cataracts and
macular degeneration. You will definitely
look better and probably see better also.
Remember, do not overdo it, and discuss
new exercise programs or dietary changes
with your family doctor. |
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Dr. Mark
Sibley
Dr. Mark
Sibley, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a Board
Certified Ophthalmologist and laser
specialist who practices locally. He is
medical advisor to the Society to Prevent
Blindness and to the American Diabetes
Association, and is team ophthalmologist
for the Devil Rays. |
