Eye Health Supplements – Important Vitamins and Minerals

Many of us have grown up being told that eating carrots will give us good eyesight. However, are carrots all we need to care for our eyes? Of course, the answer is no, but our parents weren’t wrong either. Carrots are good for the eyes because they are a great source of beta carotene and lutein. These two nutrients are antioxidants which provide benefits for eye health.

Most vitamins and minerals you need for the eyes can be easily obtained through your diet. Some conditions and diseases can affect eye health as we age, and they are age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. These conditions affect millions of people every year. Of course, if your diet isn’t as healthy as it should be, supplements may be beneficial in caring for your eye health.

Here are some of the vitamins and minerals recommended for eye health.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two powerful antioxidants that can help minimize damage to the eyes. They fight free radicals that can destroy the cells in the eye area and impair vision. Along with antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, a plant pigment also found in the retina. If you have noticed, these two supplements are a bit like your carrots!

Supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin can help increase the density of the retina. Decreased retina density has been linked to age-related macular degeneration - AMD. In addition, lutein and zeaxanthin protect your eyes from damage, by absorbing high-energy and ultraviolet light, which can cause eye damage.

Vitamin A and Beta Carotene

There is another reason for eating more carrots and that is because carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, essential for optimum eye health. Vitamin A supports eye health by keeping the eye's outer covering clear. Furthermore, having healthy levels of vitamin A is linked to a lower risk of developing cataracts and AMD.

Beta carotene, a carotenoid, is synthesized into vitamin A by the body.

Vitamin C

Among the many benefits of vitamin C, one is to help keep your eyes clear and healthy. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from oxidative damage, which can cause cataracts. High levels of vitamin C have been shown to help decrease the risk of developing cataracts.

Plus, vitamin C protects the eyes from UV light damage. Vitamin C is not stored in the body, so we lose the concentration we need especially as we age. Therefore, vitamin C supplementation can be advantageous for many reasons.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids help to improve dry eyes as it improves the oil film over the eyes. Omega 3s can also help slow down the deterioration of the eyes due to aging, thereby caring for and protecting your vision.

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is more popularly known for fighting stress, however, it is also beneficial for eye health. Vitamin B1 can help keep the development of cataracts at bay. Vitamin B1 may also be helpful for diabetics, as it may help reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy which can cause blindness.

Zinc

Zinc is naturally found in our eyes, making this nutrient essential for eye health. As a result, a zinc deficiency may cause unwanted eye problems, such as macular degeneration. Zinc can be found in many foods, but zinc supplements can help protect the eyes from some eye diseases and keep your vision protected too.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another potent antioxidant that protects the eye cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Damaged cells in the eyes can lead to cloudy areas on the eye's lens, commonly referred to as cataracts. Retinal degeneration and blindness have also been linked to a vitamin E deficiency.

While diet remains the primary way to increase our vitamin and mineral intake, taking essential supplements for eye health is still an excellent way to protect the eyes from age-related eye diseases.

People who are already diagnosed with an eye condition related to aging should speak to their ophthalmologist to see if they will benefit from taking eye health supplements. However, we can all benefit from the extra health support these vitamins and minerals provide.

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