As we get older, our bodies invariably undergo physical degeneration. We might not care about a lot of it -- a few wrinkles here and there and a little gray hair doesn’t have to be a life-changing experience. But there are some parts of the body we should go to great lengths to preserve and protect, and our eyes are at the top of the list. Proper care of the eyes, including taking vitamins like lutein, can often prevent degeneration. April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month, and now is the time to find out about luetin, other vitamins that are good for the eyes, and tips you can implement to protect your sight.

If someone were to ask you to list the organs in the body, the eyes would probably not immediately come to mind. But of all our organs, the eyes are probably the most fascinating: Their complex structure captures light and transforms it into impulses which are then interpreted by the brain as images -- images of all the things we most value. The eyes are also called the windows to the soul -- no matter what body language is being used or what words are being said, the eyes tell the truth.

Is this something you really want to risk losing? Probably not. But, unfortunately, many people not only use visual aids like glasses and contact lenses, they even lose their sight, or part of it, by not giving their eyes the proper care.

How can you protect your eyes and safeguard your vision?

- If you are already wearing corrective lenses or contacts, make sure you have your eyes examined regularly to ensure your prescription is always correct. - Protect your eyes from excessive UV rays. You don’t have to wear sunglasses all the time you’re out -- sun coming into the eyes enables the body to produce vitamin D -- but make sure you use sunglasses when in the sun for extended periods. - Make sure you read with enough light. - Eat an eye-healthy diet: broccoli, walnuts, pecans, almonds, wheat germ, spinach and other leafy green vegetables are especially good for the eyes. - Supplement your diet with the right nutrients -- beta carotene, vitamins C and E and, especially, lutein.

Why is lutein so important? Lutein is a natural part of the eye. It’s found in the macula, the part of the retina that enables fine, detailed vision. A number of studies have shown that lutein is related to the pigmentation in the eye, and that pigmentation decreases the risk of macular degeneration -- the number-one cause of vision loss in people over sixty.

Many people have excellent vision throughout their entire life. If you want to be one of them, start protecting your vision now. Give lutein a try.