Nutrition - Its Role in Eye Health

Nutrition - Its Role in Eye Health

Can vitamins prevent cataracts?
Will vitamins slow the progress of macular degeneration?

In recent years, researchers have also discovered that age-related eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration might benefit from the antioxidant effects found in vitamins and minerals from fruits or vegetables.

Antioxidants act as scavengers, preventing the formation and neutralizing the damage from substances called free radicals. These substances are thought to be responsible for acceleration of the aging process and causing damage such as lowered immune system responses, heart attacks, arthritis, eye diseases, cancers, and other disorders. The body produces free radicals in response to environmental pollutants such as cigarette smoke, pesticides, smog, radiation, and many drugs. Although free radicals do have certain beneficial effects, there is extensive evidence to indicate that they can damage both the structure and function of cell membranes causing degenerative diseases and conditions.

Can vitamins prevent cataracts?

Because your eyes are naturally exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun, free radicals have been noted to accumulate near the lens and to scatter the light into clumps that contribute to the formation of cataracts. Some research suggests that a diet rich in antioxidant nutrients protects against the formation and progression of cataracts by counteracting the damaging free radicals.

One of the most prominent antioxidants in the lens of the eye is vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which protects against oxidative damage, particularly from UV light. Other key vitamins for optimum eye health are vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin E, folic acid, selenium, and zinc found in leafy green vegetables, carrots, citrus fruits, and melons. Cataracts, in particular, have been found to respond to diets with high levels of vitamin C.

Will vitamins slow the progress of macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe visual loss in people over age 65. There is evidence to suggest that diets rich in vitamin C and zinc (vitamins and minerals found in carrots, kale, and spinach) may slow some of the degenerative processes in the retina that can lead to age-related macular degeneration. Other risk factors for macular degeneration include smoking, exposure to sunlight, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

It's important to point out that a diet rich in vitamins and minerals cannot restore lost or impaired vision but simply makes sense when it comes to eye health and overall nutrition. Today, with the rise in diet awareness, there are many resources available to answer questions on vitamins, minerals, or supplements. There are also a variety of new vitamins on the market specifically formulated to provide those nutrients that are believed to be important to eye health. Before you introduce new vitamins, minerals, supplements, or natural substances your lifestyle, consult a medical professional to determine the appropriate amount for you.