International Academy of Low Vision Specialist Doctors from across the country are working diligently this month to educate Americans so they can eat right and protect their eyesight. It may sound like an unlikely link but, with forty-three million Americans suffering from Cataracts or Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), there has never been a more vital time to highlight the common dietary errors that are huge contributors to vision loss and blindness.

Corona, CA -- (SBWire) -- 09/18/2014 --While National Health & Vision Month brings with it an abundance of awareness and advice, Doctors of Optometry from The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) are preaching from the rooftops about an epidemic that rarely gets airtime – the proven link between nutrition and eye health.

One in six Americans will suffer from Cataracts or Age-Rated Macular Degeneration (AMD) in their senior years and, as IALVS’ Doctor John Pino explains, it likely has a strong correlation to what they eat.

“Research indicates that there is a strong correlation between good nutrition and the prevention of these age-related eye diseases,” he explains. “Eating foods rich in key nutrients including the antioxidants Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and essential fatty acids (Omega 3), as well as vitamins C and E, and the mineral Zinc can help protect eye sight and vision.”

Dr. Richard Shuldiner, founder of IALVS adds, “The problem is that most people don’t get this education in their younger years, while they can still take preventative measures. This month we’re working tirelessly to make the link between nutrition and eye health known, so we can lower the statistics for future generations.”

Dr. Pino, Dr. Shuldiner and the rest of the IALVS member doctors have produced some handy ‘fast facts’ to assist all Americans with their dietary choices:

- Many Americans (48%) still believe, incorrectly, that carrots are the best food for eye health.
In reality, spinach and other dark leafy greens with their large amounts of naturally occurring lutein and zeaxanthin are the healthiest foods for the eyes.

- In order to maintain healthy eyes, studies show that 10 mg of lutein should be consumed each day. The best way to achieve that is with one cup of cooked spinach four times a week.

- More than 50% of Americans do not take in the recommended dosage of vitamin C per day.

- One cup (8 fl oz) of orange juice per day contains 81.6 mg/serving of vitamin C, more than enough to help offset some eye diseases.

To learn more, contact the nearest IALVS doctor today by visiting http://www.ialvs.com or calling 888-778-2030.

About IALVS
The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) believes in LIFE AFTER VISION LOSS. The IALVS brings new hope and sight to those with macular degeneration and other vision limiting conditions. The IALVS can bring back the enjoyment of retirement.
If you are now having problems seeing and doing the things you enjoy, an IALVS eye doctor can help. If you have been told by your eye doctor that a change in your eyeglass prescription will not help you see any better, call an IALVS doctor who is trained to design special glasses that can make a difference. When your doctor says, "Sorry, I cannot get you to see any better," an IALVS doctor often says, "It may not be perfect, but it definitely is better!"