National Institutes of Health. If youre thinking of taking gingko biloba for your eyes, remember the leaf extract is loaded with more antioxidants than raw gingko seeds. ", [Ed. Deficiencies in particular vitamins can increase the risk of some eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Your diet should always be your primary source for obtaining vitamins and minerals for your body. In fact, results suggest they may provide more benefit than beta carotene and dont come with the same risk of lung cancer. (2017). AREDS/AREDS2 frequently asked questions. AMD is a disease that affects a persons central vision. These pigments are also a part of the carotenoid family. Zhang, Y., et al. Melanin is a pigment that protects the eyes from UV light. Max Lugavere, brain health expert and author of Genius Foods, breaks down common causes of irritated eyes. The research showed a group getting a specialized blend of vitamin and mineral supplements had a 25 percent lower risk of worsening of age-related macular degeneration. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness. We eat it from plants, and it becomes converted to vitamin A, which is essential for proper eye function.". Youve probably heard someone say, Eat your carrots, theyre good for your eyes. You may have also seen advertisements for nutritional supplements for eye health. By providing your email address, you agree to receive emails containing coupons, refill reminders and promotional messages from GoodRx. What to Expect from a Fluorescein Angiography Test, Dr. Kothari Discusses Retinal Tears and Detachment on Radio Program and Podcast, Dr. Abbey Presents at the American Society of Retina Specialists 2022 Annual Meeting. If you have AMD, talk to your ophthalmologist about whether supplements are appropriate. 
National Institutes of Health. Thats why its also important to stay regular with your visits to an eye specialist. A healthy, balanced diet will provide people with the necessary range of nutrients. Nutrients for prevention of macular degeneration and eye-related diseases. However, the National Eye Institute does note that the supplement formulations used in the AREDS2 trial did have higher levels of antioxidants and zinc than what you can get from diet alone. In some cases, taking supplements may lead to side effects, so it is important for people to speak with a doctor before making large dietary changes. Free radicals are, Blurred vision and a headache occurring together can indicate several problems, from migraine to stroke. A 2018 nationwide study in South Korea found a link between a reduced intake of vitamin B3 (niacin) and glaucoma. Apart from its other roles in the body, this vitamin is particularly important for reducing oxidative stress in the eyes. National Eye Institute. Another study determined that taking certain vitamins in high concentrations slows the progression of this condition in a large percentage of people. The Care/of scientific advisory team also recommends fish oil for optimal eye health, saying, "The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, which contain eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, can help alleviate dryness.". B vitamins and other nutrients can also play an important role. Mares, J. Specific vitamins and nutrients are essential for maintaining good eye health. But will vitamins or supplements help eye health? Rasmussen, H. M., et al. Zinc also helped lower the risk of developing severe AMD in the AREDS trial. Zinc supplementation may help people who have AMD or are at risk of developing the condition. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Community-Based Caring. You are free to copy, distribute, adapt, transmit, or make commercial use of this work as long as you attribute Michigan Medicine as the original creator and include a link to this article. A 2022 study tested the long-term effects of lutein and zeaxanthin. Vitamins A, C, and E and other nutrients like beta carotene, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids are linked to a lower risk of developing severe eye disease. In most cases, these studies are of short duration and are too variable for us to make any solid conclusions, says Adrienne West, M.D., a comprehensive ophthalmologist at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. Age-related cataract in men in the selenium and vitamin E cancer prevention trial eye endpoints study: A randomized clinical trial. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, and vitamin A, among others, are directly or indirectly linked to eye health. Vitamin C: Fact sheet for health professionals. AREDS/AREDS2 clinical trials. Selenium is thought to lower oxidative stress in the macula. They also had clearer lenses overall. Vitamin A is also important in keeping your eye lubricated. "Free radicals are thought to lead to progression of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts," he explains. Read about Michigan Medicines latest research and medical breakthroughs on our science-driven sister blog. Unfortunately, you cant completely avoid cataracts, which naturally occur with age, but eating foods high in vitamin C may delay their onset and keep cataracts from worsening. Small animal studies have found that omega-3 supplementation can slow age-related retina degradation. Always follow the directions, and do not take more than directed." More specifically, they recommend taking two 600 milligram soft gels of fish oil or veggie omega supplements per day, while additional supplementation of zinc and vitamin C can also help promote eye health and simultaneously support a strong immune system. Chew, E. Y., et al. Pharmaceuticals. "They are also helpful in preventing dry eye by keeping a healthy tear film.". As for glaucoma, there is little evidence that vitamins have any impact on this condition.. Bilberry, which looks similar to a blueberry, has gained a reputation for improving night vision. SanGiovanni, J. P., et al. Research suggests that some vitamin and mineral supplements may help protect against or slow the development of these conditions. 
USDA national nutrient database for standard reference release 28: Carotene, beta. The following foods contain high levels of vitamin C: A 2015 review found that people with tend to have lower blood B12 levels. They can either directly support eye health or prevent diseases, such as diabetes, that can lead to eye problems. One of the most important supplementsomega-3 fatty acidshave been clinically studied for their benefits on eye health. (2021). In most cases, these studies are of short duration and are too variable for us to make any solid conclusions, says, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. Cortical cataracts develop on the edges of the lens, while nuclear cataracts occur deep in their center. According to observational studies, vitamin E is thought to potentially lower the risk of cataracts that develop with age. Dietary effects of anthocyanins in human health: A comprehensive review. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics. ", Lugavere supports this statement and says everyone can benefit from eating more foods rich in compounds like carotenoids. Alpha tocopherol is a form of vitamin E that has particularly powerful antioxidant properties. Over time, this can damage the nerve, resulting in vision loss. (2021). Boyd, K. (2022). Clinical Interventions in Aging. And, heres where the benefits of carrots come in: they are packed with beta carotene, which the body absorbs and converts into vitamin A. And, heres where the benefits of carrots come in: they are packed with beta carotene, which the body absorbs and converts into vitamin A. A 10-year longitudinal study investigated different factors that may help prevent nuclear cataract development. American Optometric Association. This is a pigment from a family of compounds called carotenoids, which are well known for giving carrots (and other fruits and vegetables) their orange color. SEE ALSO:7 Healthy Habits to Help Prevent Macular Degeneration. MORE FROM MICHIGAN: Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Will Taking Supplements Improve Your Prostate Health? But a large, randomized controlled trial the best type of study used to test whether a particular treatment or intervention causes an outcome found no noticeable difference in cataract risk with vitamin E supplementation. While few studies support positive claims about supplements, the, is an exception. National Institutes of Health. Vitamin C was also one of the ingredients in the AREDS formulation. Itfound that these compounds help protect against late-stage AMD. They can help you determine whether its safe for you or recommend alternatives like lutein and zeaxanthin. Beta-carotene in multivitamins and the possible risk of lung cancer among smokers versus former smokers: A meta-analysis and evaluation of national brands. The best way to get the vitamins you need to support healthy eyes is to eat a variety of nutrient-rich whole foods especially leafy greens. Egg yolks, cheese, broccoli and liver are also good sources of vitamin A. While few studies support positive claims about supplements, the age-related eye disease study (AREDS) is an exception. Here is a list of several vitamins that have been shown to be effective in promoting eye health: This vitamin helps the retina make certain pigments that allow us to see. Keep in mind that your eye health is also affected by many other factors such as age and genetics. All rights reserved. (2022). Selenium: Fact sheet for health professionals. 2004-2022 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Many doctors recommend omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. Theres no question that vitamin deficiencies can cause eye problems. Vitamin A deficiency can impair night vision and lead to blindness, although thats rare in the United States. (2020). 
Read on to learn more about what these vitamins are, how they support eye health, and which foods and drinks can help you get them in your diet. According to experts, many nutrients that are thought to be beneficial on their own work together to help protect your eyes. But more research is needed to help eye care professionals advise patients on whether they should regularly take a supplement. Since different vitamins have different roles in the body, its common to think that one or two are responsible for a particular part of health. (2013). Long-term outcomes of adding lutein/zeaxanthin and -3 fatty acids to the AREDS supplements on age-related macular degeneration progression: AREDS2 report 28. People can add vitamin A into their diet by eating the following foods: Discover more foods rich in Vitamin A here. Research hasshownthat people with AMD might benefit from taking specific vitamins. Discover more foods rich in vitamin E here. We avoid using tertiary references. Vitamin A and carotenoids: Fact sheet for health professionals. A varied diet rich in nutritionally-dense foods can often provide adequate amounts of all vitamins and minerals. Folate Benefits and 13 Folate-Rich Foods to Try, Supplements Wont Prevent or Treat COVID-19. Lets take a look at what foods can provide nutrients that support healthy eyes. [It's] occasionally seen in patients who are unable to absorb certain nutrients," he explains. or promote through one of our, clinically studied for their benefits on eye health, Daily Antioxidant Protection Astaxanthin 12mg, The 10 Best Vitamins for Anxiety, According to Experts. Unfortunately, no vitamins can prevent it from forming in the first place. National Institutes of Health. Antioxidants. When it comes to getting eye-healthy vitamins, its best to do so through your diet. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. But beyond vitamin A, carrots dont hold any magical properties for eye health, says Dr.Gans. Additionally, if your diet is unable to support all the vitamins you need, it's a good time to start taking supplements like fish oil, veggie omega, zinc, or vitamin C that support eye health.". Public Health Nutrition. However, this particular study only included women. Tanvetyanon, T., et al. Read about 10 foods for healthy eyes, other eye health tips, and warning, Vision loss can have many causes, some of which are temporary. Theres one exception for a specific eye condition:Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It prevents free radicals from breaking down important fatty acids in the retina. Research in 2017 suggests that taking approximately 6 milligrams (mg) per day of lutein and zeaxanthin may lower a persons risk of developing AMD. Policy. It's a great way for vegans and vegetarians to get their omega-3s, which have been found to maintain healthy eyes. When it comes to omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish, such as tuna, mackerel and salmon, flaxseed oil, walnuts and all green leafy vegetables, Americans dont consume nearly enough. Learn about these and other possible causes, There are three main types of eye care doctor. Many nutrients are thought to be beneficial for eye health. "They can also help protect them from inflammation and some of the problems that underlie age-related macular degeneration," he adds. Beta carotene was one of the ingredients in the supplement that lowered the risk of severe age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by 25%. It could also reduce visual acuity loss by 19%. "The eyes are vulnerable to oxidation, particularly from short-wavelength blue light, which although is important for setting our body's circadian rhythms, can also create free radical stress and promote aging," he explains. (2013). A small 2020 study also found that supplementation of vitamin B1 and mecobalamin may reduce symptoms of dry eye disease. They can check to make sure that your eyes are healthy. "I recommend consuming whole foods by eating a wide array of colorful plants like kale, bell peppers, avocados, as well as eggs and properly raised sources of meat. Gonalves, A. C., et al. 7 Healthy Habits to Help Prevent Macular Degeneration, no better than the placebo for treating dry eye, 5 Signs Your Child Might Have Vision Problems, Knowing When Its Time for Cataract Surgery. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that exist in high quantities in green leafy vegetables. Abdel-Aal, E. S. M., et al. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions. To reap the benefits, get your daily dose of vitamin A by munching on carrots during your busy day. DHA, a type of omega 3 fatty acid, has a role in reducing inflammation and helping cells in the retina heal and regenerate after damage from light exposure and aging.
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