Everyone needs different nutrients, minerals, and vitamins to remain healthy. Nutrition plays a role in most eye conditions. Research shows that certain supplements improve or help maintain eye health. Below are some of the eye health benefits you can expect from them.
You can supplement zeaxanthin and lutein, the carotenoids found in your retina pigments. Doing so can help increase the pigment density to protect your eyes from damage. They absorb ultraviolet light and high-energy blue light which are harmful to your eyes.
Zinc supplements cause vitamin A to move from your liver to your retina for melanin production. The melanin protects your eyes from damaging ultraviolet light emitted by the sun.
Your eyes naturally have zinc, an antioxidant that helps protect them from cell damage. Taking zinc supplements helps maintain your eye health. It ensures that the protein structure of your eyes, your retina, and your cell membranes are in a healthy condition.
Vitamin B1 helps reduce cataracts when taken with other supplements. They also reduce inflammation.
Studies show that vitamin C reduces the risk of developing cataracts. Vitamin B supplements prevent age-related macular degeneration. They help reduce homocysteine in the blood to minimize the acid affecting the arteries in your retina, thus lowering the risk of AMD. A deficiency of vitamin B leads to optic nerve problems. As a result, this increases your risk of blind spots and reduces vision in severe cases.
The American Optometric Association recommends zinc supplements to help AMD patients or those at risk. The progression of AMD can slow by up to 25 percent if you take zinc supplements of 40 to 80 mg each day. You can use zinc together with other medically recommended antioxidants. Doing so can reduce the loss of your visual acuity by 19 percent.
Supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids help develop retinal cells. Most Americans do not incorporate fish in their diet, a source of omega-3 fatty acids.
The retina has photoreceptor cells that contain omega-3 fatty acids in high amounts. Lack of these can lead to retinopathy or dry eye syndrome. Retinopathy is a condition that progressively damages the retina. Docosahexaenoic acid, called DHA, is a type of omega-3 fatty acid. It reduces inflammation and promotes the healing and regeneration of cells in the cornea and retina.
Studies show that individuals who take omega-3 fatty acids supplements have less risk of AMD. Retinopathy and dry eye syndrome are common in people with low omega-3 fatty acids. According to research, infants who take DHA in their formula have better vision than those who do not.
Vitamin E supplements protect you from losing your sight as you age. They do so because they act as an antioxidant. According to studies, taking supplements and a diet filled with vitamin E can progressively prevent AMD and cataracts. Studies also show that cataract progression can slow down because of the antioxidants found in vitamin E.
For more about taking supplements for eye health, visit Planet Vision Eyecare at our office in Greenacres, Florida. You can also call (561) 556-4600 to book an appointment today.