For those of us who want to save our sight, there are five measures we can take that have been proven to positively affect it. These include not smoking, wearing sunglasses, getting an annual eye exam, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a colorful array of fruits and vegetables. But what if you don’t have the time or money to eat a balanced diet? Are there vitamins that can help protect your vision? Let’s delve into the answer to this question.
What Vitamins Are Good for the Eyes?
The first two vitamins we should consider are Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Vitamin A is essential for proper eye health because it helps preserve the mucous membranes that coat the eyes and keep out dust, dirt and other debris. It also helps with night vision and aids in the production of retinal pigment, which helps prevent certain types of blindness. Vitamin C is important because it helps reduce oxidative stress in the eyes, which can damage cells in the retina and lead to cataracts or glaucoma. In addition, Vitamin C helps maintain healthy blood vessels in the eyes, reducing one’s risk for macular degeneration.
It is also important to consider taking lutein and zeaxanthin supplements as these carotenoids are especially beneficial for preserving vision. Lutein works by filtering out harmful blue light rays from digital devices such as computers and smartphones while zeaxanthin is thought to help protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Other vitamins that may be helpful include B-complex vitamins such as B6, B12 and folate as well as Omega-3 fatty acids which have been linked to improved eye health due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
If you want optimal eye health without having to adhere strictly to a balanced diet filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, vitamins can be an efficient way of getting all the nutrients your eyes need without breaking the bank or wasting precious time searching for specific foods at grocery stores or farmer’s markets. Just remember that when it comes to vitamins, more isn’t always better; always consult with your doctor before taking any new supplement so you know how much is right for you! Taking these measures will help ensure that your sight stays strong well into your golden years!
[1]Richer SP, Stiles W, Graham-Hoffman K, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zeaxanthin and visual function in patients with atrophic age-related macular degeneration: The Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study (ZVF) FDA IND #78, 973. Optometry. 2011;82(11): 667-680.e6.