Seniors Moving To Southwest Florida Are At Risk Of Losing Their Sight

So here's something to consider before moving to Southwest Florida. Coming here may cost you your eye sight. That's according to a new study conducted by the University Of Toronto. In the study they linked serious vision impairment to the average temperature of where you lived. This study was conducted on Americans aged 65 or older. US Census Data shows that 21% of Fort Myers, Florida residents and 52% of Naples residents fit in that category. For Port Charlotte, it's 32%

Over 5 years, the University conducted surveys of 1.7 million Americans all aged 65 or older. The study states "The question on vision impairment was “Is this person blind or does he/she have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses?” Then they used data from NOAA to determine the average temperature data from the respondents region.

American seniors living in warmer areas of the United States were more likely to have serious vision impairment than those living in cooler areas. To put it simply, living where it's warm year round has a negative effect on your eyesight. It breaks down to this:

"The odds of severe vision impairment were 14% higher for those who lived in counties with average temperature between 50-54.99°F, 24% higher for those between 55-59.99°F and 44% higher for those in counties with average temperature at 60°F (15.5 °C) or above."

According to Climate data, Naples and Fort Myers have an average temperature of 74 degrees. Well above the highest range of the study. Port Charlotte is no better with an average temperature of 73 degrees. This means more than half of the residents of Naples, Florida are risking their eyesight living here. I have seen a lot of eye care places in Naples, so maybe this is already playing out.

The study showed that gender, race, or income levels made no difference. But why would living where it's warm be so damaging to your eyesight?

They're not sure. One idea might be higher exposure to UV rays. In areas such as Southwest Florida where it's warmer, there's more sunshine. The quality of the air could contribute. Or increased rate of eye infections. These are all just theories. Perhaps a folate deficiency could explain this. Folate is important to eyesight, but folate is extremely sensitive to destruction by heat and UV light. This is definitely a possibility and something that can be countered. To try to prevent a folate deficiency, eat foods such as spinach, liver, asparagus, and brussels sprouts. Leafy vegetables. Oranges and other citrus fruits are also high in folate. We're in Southwest Florida, it's not hard to find citrus fruits. Perhaps a vitamin supplement is also something else to consider when moving to Southwest Florida.

The University of Toronto plans to do a follow up study to see if the average temperature range of a region has a similar effect on hearing.

The 4th of July may not fall on Friday, Saturday or Sunday this weekend.  But America and Red, White and Blue will most certainly be the vibe through Southwest Florida June 30-July 2

If you are looking for something to do, we've got you covered. Here are your Weekend Vibes, what’s happening in Southwest Florida June 30-July 2 so you can have a little summer fun.

Are you a country music fan?  The Lady A:  Request Line Tour will be rolling into Fort Myers to perform live at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on June 30th (that's today).  Tickets are still available.   Joining them to open the show is country artist David Barnes.

Calling all baseball fans.  The Mighty Mussels are home this weekend in a three game series vs the Lakeland Flying Tigers.  Saturday night they're guaranteeing a Mussels victory! If the Mussels lose all fans in attendance will score a ticket to next day's game.  At the game on Sunday, it's all about the kids.  And on Monday, go out and enjoy the game and Celebrate Independence Day Weekend with the biggest fireworks show in Hammond Stadium history!

Farmer's Markets are one of my favorite things to do when I have free time.  This Sunday, enjoy the Koreshan State Park farmers market from 8am - 1pm, before the weather gets too hot.  They always have a wide selection of fresh produce, honey, fresh guacamole and salsas, street food, sea glass, handmade jewelry, clothing, arts & crafts and more! And a major plus, they'll let you bring the dog along.

Looking for something to do to celebrate the 4th?  We have a Southwest Florida 4th of July Holiday guide full of ideas.

Finally, here are your Weekend Vibes, what’s happening in Southwest Florida June 30-July 2. Get out and have some fun this weekend.

Kick off your 4th of July weekend festivities at the IndepenDANCE Party at Seed to Table! Happening Saturday Night, July 1st! Featuring Live Music from Remix Band (8-11 PM) and DJ Mr. Nights (11 PM-Close), PLUS $8 Grey Goose Cocktails, AND Complimentary Grey Goose Shot for everyone dressed in Red, White, and Blue!

Saturday, July 1st from 12pm to 10pm with fun for the whole family, including the dog.  Food trucks, live music, bounce houses, axe throwing and more.