JOIN OUR MAILING LIST |
Nutrition and the eye
As our knowledge of disease prevention and advances in medical research and technology grows, so does our life expectancy. Longer lifespan results in an increase in age-related disease.
Preventing age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, is important because of high health-care costs and the debilitating nature of vision loss.
Lutien, zeaxanthin, vitamin C and vitamin E are important for eye health. Vitamin A is necessary for night vision and keeps the membranes in the front part of the eye healthy.
Smoking cessation, adequate intake of carotenoid fruits and vegetables, lifestyle factors, regular eye exams and avoidance of excessive sunlight exposure can all help reduce the risk of several eye diseases.
Other
supplements
As well as the foods, vitamins and minerals already mentioned, one
could
supplement with extra selenium, folic acid, ginger, vitamin D
without iron
or retinol, co-enzyme Q-10 and calcium.
Vitamins, minerals
and trace-elements required
include:
Lutein
is a carotenoid found naturally in leafy vegetables like spinach,
kale,
broccoli and collard greens, as well as eggs and corn. Lutein is
an antioxidant that helps
reduce harmful free radicals that can contribute to cell damage.
It also
filters or absorbs blue light from the visible light spectrum.
Scientists
believe lutein and an accompanying molecule, zeaxanthin, are the
predominate antioxidants found in the center of the retina, called
the
macula. Lutein has been researched for its role in reducing the
risk of
age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of
vision loss
in older people. More than 300 peer-reviewed studies have
explained the
benefits of lutein to the eyes, heart, skin and immune system. It
may
also offer protection for men and women with diabetes.
Vitamin A is essential to sustain human life and must be consumed in adequate amounts. It is generally associated with the health of the eye, especially protecting night vision and the health of the cornea. Vitamin A also may help in the prevention of cataracts. Vitamin A also is important in the skin and its ability to heal, which can be a problem for persons with diabetes.
Back | Back to top |