MANILA, Philippines – While 80 percent of visual impairments can be prevented or cured, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of visually impaired people in the world is still high.
A study conducted by the WHO in 2010 showed that 285 million people in the world are visually impaired with 246 million (86%) of them having low vision. Among its causes is age-related macular degeneration, which develops as a person ages.
There are other eyes and vision problems as well that can occur to both young and old. They include suffering from floaters, or seeing tiny spots or specks floating across one’s vision; having dry eyes, wherein an individual can have difficulty making enough tears; and tearing, which makes one’s eyes highly sensitive to light, wind, and temperature changes.
The good thing, though, is that its onset can be delayed. Studies*** cited by the American Optometric Association have shown that lutein, which is found in green leafy vegetables, as well as vitamins C, E, and zinc can decrease the risk of vision loss.
One of these is the study titled “Eye Disease Case Control Study”, which is one of the first large studies on carotenoids, wherein diet was compared to the risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Results found a significantly lower risk for developing the eye disease in people with high amounts of lutein in their blood. Similar results were found in a recent analysis of a national dietary study called the “Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey or NHANES III”. This analysis also showed that consuming 6 mg per day of lutein was associated with reduced risk for developing AMD.
Nutrition for the eyes
Global nutrition company Herbalife most recently introduced Ocular Defense in the Philippines which contains lutein, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Vitamins A and E, zinc, copper, and selenium.
Herbalife Member, Edna Hearsey, says she uses Ocular Defense to get the needed nutrients to help minimize age related vision impairment and improve her eye health. Lutein has been found to support eye health during aging. It also plays an important role in having a healthy vision. Vitamins A, C and E contain anti-oxidants that prevent the propagation of free radicals, which can cause cellular damage.
Right amounts of zinc, meanwhile, have been found to help decrease the risk and progression of age-related macular degeneration, while beta-carotene can improve antioxidant activity as well as immunity.
Backed by Science
“The company has always been at the forefront of advancing the science of nutrition, and Ocular Defense is one of the results of the scientific research and development we have conducted around the world,” said Rosalio Valenzuela, General Manager at Herbalife International, Philippines, Inc.
The development of Herbalife® products is guided by our Scientific Leadership made up of experts in the fields of nutrition and health from around the world who actively participate in the company’s product development and testing programs. The company and scientific staff are members of various research and professional societies and dietetic groups worldwide.
The company currently has 180 scientists, 19 of whom have PhDs and 30 consulting scientists as part of its internal staff. As part of its research and development, it conducts clinical studies in partnership with leading universities around the world. Herbalife has likewise established a Nutrition Advisory Board comprised of leading experts in the fields of nutrition and health as part of its commitment to quality and scientific integrity.
Healthy lifestyle, healthy eyes
“Apart from taking a tablet of Ocular Defense daily, making healthy lifestyle choices can also do wonders in improving eye health and slowing down the risk of vision impairment caused by aging,” said Herbalife Philippines Fitness Coach, Chappy Callanta.
There is truth in our parents’ advice of eating vegetables, especially the brightly-colored ones, and the avoidance or cessation of smoking. Likewise, doing regular eye movements and frequently flicking one’s eyes can contribute to improving its health. One should also refrain from wearing reading glasses all the time.
“Taking care of our eyes is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves while we’re young. Let’s not wait for the time when we start suffering from visual impairment; let us pay attention to our eye health now,” concluded Valenzuela.
About Herbalife
Herbalife is a global nutrition company that has been changing people’s lives with great products since 1980. Our nutrition, weight-management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available exclusively to and through dedicated
Independent Herbalife Members in more than 90 countries. We are committed to addressing the global obesity epidemic by offering high-quality products, one-on-one coaching with an Independent Herbalife Member and a community that inspires customers to live a healthy, active life. We support the Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) and its Casa Herbalife programs to help bring good nutrition to children in need. We also sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the LA Galaxy and champions in many other sports.
The company has over 7,800 employees worldwide, and its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HLF) with net sales of US$5 billion in 2014. To learn more visit herbalife.com
***Source: American Optometric Association, “Lutein and Zeaxanthin – Eye-Friendly Nutrients” in American Optometric Association Website, at https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/nutrition/lutein-and-zeaxanthin?sso=y
MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG OCULAR DEFENSE AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.ADVT
