National Non-profit Says That Healthy Eating Habits and a Free Eye Exam
May Delay Age-related Macular Degeneration
September 18, 2008 – Philadelphia, PA – Approximately 10 million Americans suffer from Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a devastating eye disease and the leading cause of vision loss in people 65 years or older in the United States. Although there is no cure for AMD, recent studies show that by eating foods rich in antioxidants lutein, omega-3 fatty acids and zeaxanthin, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, you may slow the progression of AMD.
This year, EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Celebrity Chef and Best Selling Author Maria Liberati would like to encourage U S residents to feast their eyes on eye healthy foods and urges them to take advantage of the free eye exams available through its EyeCare America’s AMD EyeCare Program. Those interested can see if they qualify by calling 1-866-324-EYES (3937).
So, what type of foods should you eat?
Most fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin C including oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers and tomatoes.
Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oils (safflower and corn oil), almonds, pecans, wheat germ and sunflower seeds.
For Beta-carotene, try deep orange or yellow fruits and vegetables such as cantaloupe, mangos, apricots, peaches, sweet potatoes and carrots.
Dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, collard greens, asparagus and spinach are the primary sources of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Good sources of zinc include beef, pork, lamb, oysters, eggs, shellfish, milk, peanuts, whole grains and wheat germ.
In light of this, EyeCare America, has teamed up with celebrity chefs from across the country, including Celebrity Chef and Best Selling Author, Maria Liberati, to provide healthy recipes that include foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Chef Liberati’s eye healthy recipe Insalata Profumata di Mare, as well as all of the recipes from each of the chefs are available online at www.eyecareamerica.org.
"Everyone really takes their eyes for granted until problems arise,” said Celebrity Chef and Best Selling Author, Maria Liberati. “You really need to take preventative care of your eyes so that no problems arise. And if you are more predisposed to eye problems because of family history you will lessen your chances of developing those very same problems. Feeding your eyes by giving them all the nutrients they need is a great way to do that. There are so many delicious foods out there that contain all of these necessary vitamins and minerals. But if you stick to a diet full of mostly non-processed foods, all natural –real foods- fresh fruits and vegetables, non-processed nuts and seeds, whole grain fresh breads, fresh artisan made cheeses, good quality meats and seafood-your eyes will love you for it!!"
EyeCare America’s AMD EyeCare Program is a year-round program that promotes annual eye exams for people 65 and older, raises awareness of AMD, provides the latest information about treatment options and low vision services, offers free AMD educational materials, and facilitates access to care at no out-of-pocket cost for those who qualify. The eye exams will be provided by more than 100 volunteer ophthalmologists throughout Philadelphia. People
Callers who have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years may be eligible to receive a comprehensive medical eye exam and, in most cases, up to one year of care at no out-of-pocket cost for any disease diagnosed during the initial exam.
The AMD EyeCare Program is designed for people at increased risk for AMD, but who have NOT been diagnosed and who:
Are age 65 and older
Are US citizens or legal residents
Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years
Do not belong to an HMO or the VA
Eyeglasses, medicines, hospital services and fees of other medical professionals are not included.
For more information about EyeCare America’s award-winning referral program and recipes from each of the celebrity chefs, visit their web site at www.eyecareamerica.org. The site contains up-to-date clinical information about cataracts reviewed by certified ophthalmologists (Eye MD’s) with links to current treatments and even an interactive tour of the eye’s anatomy. Visitors can share important health topics with family and friends through a convenient email forward function and order free brochures that give in-depth information on treatment, tests/diagnosis, causes and risks factors for a wide variety of common eye diseases.
Other easy to use functions include online tools such as a vision simulator, which allows users to see how vision would be affected from common eye diseases, and informative videos, created by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, that will provide visitors with a complete interactive experience.
The AMD EyeCare Program is co-sponsored by Alcon, Inc., Bausch & Lomb, Inc., Genentech, Inc., Novartis Ophthalmics and Pfizer Ophthalmics.
About EyeCare America
Established in 1985, EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. EyeCare America provides eye care services to the medically underserved and for those at increased risk for eye disease through its corps of 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists dedicated to serving their communities. More than 90 percent of the care made available is provided at no out-of-pocket cost to the patients. EyeCare America includes programs for seniors, glaucoma, diabetes, AMD and children, and is the largest program of its kind in American medicine. Since its inception, EyeCare America has helped more than 1 million people. EyeCare America is a non-profit program whose success is made possible through charitable contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. More information can be found at: www.eyecareamerica.org
MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Neves, Director of EyeCare America Communications – 415.561.8518, aneves@aao.org
NOTE TO EDITORS AND PRODUCERS: High-resolution images and interviews with EyeCare America physicians, spokespeople and Celebrity Chef Maria Liberati available upon request.
**Be sure to read Maria Liberati's Blog on delicious, healthy foods at:
http://www.marialiberati.com/
**The Basic Art of Italian Cooking byMaria Liberati tm ezine available at http://www.marialiberati.com
