Semi-stupid question...?!


Question: Okay, I've been vegan for a while. When I first became vegan, I developed a B12 deficiency , but I take care of that now. Anyway, lately I've been noticing that my vision is a little wacky. And by wacky I mean bad. Could this be the result of some sort of deficiency? Or do I just have bad eyesight? I realize that the latter is most likely, but I'm young and no one in my family --- even my grandparents --- needs glasses.


Answers: Okay, I've been vegan for a while. When I first became vegan, I developed a B12 deficiency , but I take care of that now. Anyway, lately I've been noticing that my vision is a little wacky. And by wacky I mean bad. Could this be the result of some sort of deficiency? Or do I just have bad eyesight? I realize that the latter is most likely, but I'm young and no one in my family --- even my grandparents --- needs glasses.

Your diminishing eyesight could be caused by any number of things. If you're careful with your food choices, and are "covering all the bases" in terms of nutrition...I'd scratch that out as a cause. Do you tend to read in low-light areas, or do you go outside without sunglasses on (especially important if there is snow on the ground).? Your vision could have changed due to eye-strain or exposing your eyes to a constant bombardment to bright lights. OR..in the end it could just be a degenerative eye condition that is unique to you alone. I myself, for example, am the only person in my family (both sides) to need glasses. I've asked my optometrist about this, and he told me that it could just be how my OWN eyes have decided to function...and would have nothing to do with my genetics.

Honestly, I'd make an appointment with an Optometrist to see if there is just a simple lens problem within your eyes, or something a little bit more sinister (such as a corneal problem, or cataracts.) It may be nothing, though. Your eyes could just be tired. *shrugs* I'd go see the specialist. He/She would be of more help than any of us.

Good luck!

eat carrots. you know how you know they're good for you? ever seen a rabbit with glasses?!?!?

Iron. Vegans need more Iron....
Check it out.

I would get checked out at the eye doctor first. Or ask your regular doctor. They should be able to figure it out eventually.

But i've never heard of eye problems due to a lack of protien.

Consult an opthalmologist immediately. And I don't mean optometrist.

I've heard that vitamin A is important to maintain good eye health. It has high levels in carrots...hence that's why people say carrots are good for the eyes.

It could be an Omega 3 deficiency! Studies have linked Omega 3 deficiency with failing eyesight in infants and adults. If you don't want to take fish oil, take omega 3s from algae. Also, get lots of flax seed and walnuts. (They are sources of omegas, but not as good as fish oil or algae.)

eating carrots is a myth, go see a dr. and get an eye exam, that's your best bet... and don't forgt to tell the doctor all your symptoms, because if it is a deficiency, they may have a better idea knowing your symptoms

Go eat a steak. IF your vision reacts to the protein, there you go.

Follow the advice given by Andromed. and I mean do it!

Go get your Vision checked. I truly doubt is is your diet. Though it is not impossible..but if it is you are doing a Junky diet, not a balanced one.

I am amazed that you said you had B-12 deficiency..it is VERY RARE in show one who is a short term Vegan. http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/n...

Slainté(to your health)

It's probably a deficiency. You should consult a nutritionist, as it may not be just one vitamin or mineral.

eat a lot of foods that contains vitamin a since it is the source of a good eye sight.

Eat the food your ancestors ate. There is no one menu fits all, and nobodys ancestors ate chemistry mixed with chop meat on a bun. My family ate plenty of fat meat, in lard, and potatoes. Veggies were just a rumor. Everybody lives way longer than the expectancy, probably due to being so skinny.

I believe that what we eat really effects our health, eye sight etc.

Hopefully you are not taking care of your B12 defficiency with pills, in my opinion, the worst thing that we have done in our society is create a substitute for what your body was designed for, such things like fast food, juices, vitamins, are what is robbing your of your health.


Keep it fresh, lots of fruits, vegetables, get your complete protien by eating rice w/ beans.

I understand and am so proud of you for having the discipline of being vegan, just be careful.

Dont juice vegetables, but instead blend them, you need the skin, fiber etc.

Think positive and be healthy, your eye sight will be fine. You should also consult a eye doctor.

I find it interesting you're claiming to have had a b12 deficiency when the body stores b12 for years. If you had a deficiency it had nothing to do with you being a new vegan. Self-diagnoses really aren't valid arguments.

Do you consume a lot of margarine? Apparently this (amongst other factors) has been linked to a higher than normal incidence of macular degeneration. Look up "macular degeneration" and see whether there are any major contributing factors in your diet.

Eat carrots, spinach, Romaine lettuce, berries (esp blueberries) and get your omega 3.

See an eye doc too.

How can a question be semi-stupid? Either it's stupid, or it isn't....jk

I guess you could call this a semi-stupid answer.

Vitamin A is the main nutrient connected to eyesight. You should ask your doctor to see if you have a vitamin A deficiency. I can't think of any reason why being vegan would cause this, since meat doesn't have much of it, but it would be a good idea to check.

Have yourself checked by an ophthalmologist, preferably by a pediatric ophthalmologist if you still fall into that age group.. My daughter 8, was just recently fitted for corrective lenses and I don't wear glasses though my my wife does (contacts). Also I've nevr required any glasses or vision correction but every one of my siblings wore corrective lenses and my sister still wears glasses/contacts though both our parents don't. If you are concerned that it has something to do with your nutrition, then have yourself phycically checked too.

i've not got anything helpful to say, but i hope it's nothing serious and whatever the problem is it can be sorted quickly

Definitely see an opthamalogist. Nothing to fool around with. Eye problems can take a turn for the worst fairly rapidly.

I don't know, but I find it strange that Jezebel would make this statement since you obviously have had the problem diagnosed by a MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL and have had treatments in the past for it: " If you had a deficiency it had nothing to do with you being a new vegan."





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