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Nutrition for Healthy Eyes
Diet not only affects the way you look, it can effect how you see. Recent studies show that some certain vitamins and antioxidants can improve the health of your eyes. Generally speaking, better nutrition increases the quality of your eyesight.
Macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness for those aged 55 and older, is caused by the deterioration of the retina's central portion. Selenium and zinc appears to have some success in treating macular degeneration.
Cataracts is a condition in which the lens of the eyes develops a milky film that obstructs the passage of light. Cataracts form when the eyes are exposed to UV light and oxygen for extended periods of time and over the course of many years. UV light creates free radicals which can be neutralized by antioxidants such as vitamin An beta-carotene, selenium, vitamin E, alpha lipoic acid, glutathione peroxidase and catalase. Research indicates that people who took multivitamins or any supplement containing vitamin C or E for over 10 years lowered their risk of developing cataracts. However, using supplements for a shorter amount of time did not reduce the risk.
Beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A, is vital for maintaining your eyesight. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness or even blindness. Itchy, burning and watery eyes can often be helped with vitamin B-2 supplements. Too much stress and too little calcium can be associated with nearsightedness. However, if you are nearsighted and you already consume enough beta-carotene, eating carrots, which are rich in beta-carotene, will not give you 20/20 vision.
Although nutritional supplementation for healthier eyes may not work for everyone, it's always good to take a multi-vitamin. Always consult your health care professional if you experience any changes in vision.
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