Millions of men and women alike take vitamins to protect their eyes against diseases that could impair vision. Common eye-protection supplements include antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin as well as omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.

Nutritional supplements have been demonstrated to lower the risk of chronic eye diseases. You can find these nutrients in a healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables as well as fish.

Vitamin A

The National Eye Institute has reported that antioxidants (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Lutein and Zeaxanthin) may slow the progression of dry macular degeneration while possibly also decreasing risks such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Macular degeneration is an eye condition in which damage to the retina leads to blurry or dim vision and difficulty reading, and one of the primary causes of vision loss among people over 50. Unfortunately, no medical treatments exist that can reverse macular degeneration; however dietary supplements and certain foods can provide essential vitamins necessary for healthy eyes.

Beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are three important carotenoids to consume for eye health; beta-carotene serves as a precursor for vitamin A while the latter two may help reduce macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye diseases. A diet rich in these nutrients can be obtained by eating vegetables such as dark greens like kale and spinach as well as carrots, sweet potatoes and other dark colored fruits and vegetables; oranges as well as yellow-orange fruits and vegetables as well as nuts and seeds;

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly the EPA and DHA fatty acids, are another essential element of maintaining eye health. These can be obtained either from fish such as salmon, trout or mackerel; or from plant sources like flaxseed oil or ground flaxseeds.

Vitamin D is vital to eye health. It provides the nutrient calciferol that has been shown to protect against macular degeneration and other eye conditions, and can be found in foods ranging from eggs to beef liver. Sunlight is by far the best way to access Vitamin D; alternatively fortified milk and cereal can provide it as well. Vitamin D is fat-soluble vitamin that stores in your body – its Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) typically stands at 400 International Units daily but some eye care practitioners may advise higher amounts for those at greater risk of eye conditions.

Vitamin C

As with many aspects of health, how we age depends in part on what nutrients we consume and produce by our bodies. Eye health is no exception: certain vitamins can reduce your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts while helping alleviate or even prevent symptoms associated with glaucoma – and diet provides many essential vitamins.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can protect the eyes from oxidative stress and maintain healthy blood vessels, as well as help lower risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. A diet rich in vitamin C is key, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, bell peppers, green leafy vegetables and cauliflower being excellent sources.

Vitamin E, another essential antioxidant for eye health, plays an essential role in protecting retina from harmful blue light exposure and limiting oxidative damage. You can find vitamin E-rich foods like sunflower seeds, peanuts and almonds.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, two phytochemicals known to reduce macular degeneration risk, can also help. Concentrated in the macula, these natural pigments filter out high-energy blue wavelengths of light that could damage retina. You can find them in many foods like cooked spinach, kale, collards, turnip greens, chard greens and brussel sprouts; for optimal results a supplement containing 5 parts lutein to 1 part zeaxanthin is recommended.

Vitamins and minerals can reduce your risk of macular degeneration, cataracts and dry eyes by providing essential eye nutrients. The ideal macular degeneration supplement should contain all these elements as well as dietary fibre and omega-3 fatty acids for maximum effectiveness. MACULA 2 ESSENTIALS AREDS 2 PLUS has been specifically created to meet or surpass standards set forth by the AREDS 2 study, Vision Institute Of Canada and Health Canada and offers recommended daily amounts of lutein/zeaxanthin/vitamin A/C plus key eye-healthy zinc for maximum benefits.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant that is believed to protect eyes by blocking unstable molecules from damaging retina. Furthermore, Vitamin E promotes health of ocular blood vessels and increases tear production for dry eyes prevention or relief. You can find Vitamin E in vegetable oils, nuts, wheat germ and sweet potatoes. Studies have also demonstrated its potential ability to slow macular degeneration progression as well as visual acuity loss when combined with other essential nutrients.

The National Eye Institute’s AREDS 2 study revealed that certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants could slow the progression of dry macular degeneration. These include lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, omega-3s, vitamin C and E; diets rich in these foods could cut risk for wet form of disease by up to 25%.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids known to significantly lower the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. They act like internal sunglasses by filtering out harmful blue light that Americans are exposed to every day; eggs, corn and dark leafy vegetables like kale are great sources of this nourishment.

Routinely eating colorful fruits and vegetables is key to maintaining good vision health. Incorporating foods high in lutein and zeaxanthin into our diets may reduce risk of eye disease.

Macular degeneration, a progressive eye condition that affects the macula of the retina, puts millions of men and women around the world at risk of vision loss. If left untreated in time, macular degeneration can lead to blindness; to reduce your chances, take multivitamins, consume plenty of green leafy vegetables, stop smoking and wear large-brimmed hats when outdoors.

Macular degeneration vitamins typically consist of beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin; these supplements may help slow the rate of progress for dry macular degeneration and can be purchased both online retailers as well as health food stores.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for eye health and macular degeneration prevention, as it’s necessary for maintaining adequate levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in retina of eyes which act like natural sunblocks against UV light damage; studies suggest lutein/zeaxanthin may even slow central vision deterioration, an early sign of macular degeneration. Furthermore, vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants which fight free radicals which may contribute to oxidative stress while supporting an overall healthy immune system.

Researchers have discovered that individuals who consume high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids and have higher serum vitamin D levels are at lower risk for age-related macular degeneration, according to research published in Archives of Ophthalmology. For their investigation, researchers reviewed medical records held by Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS), an Israeli health maintenance organization with members whose vitamin D levels are regularly tracked.

Lack of fat-soluble vitamin D (cholecalciferol) has been linked with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration. This may be caused by reduced ability of the body to absorb and process vitamin D or impaired ability to prevent inflammation-driven responses that trigger vascularization of retina in early stages of macular degeneration.

Dietary sources of vitamin D include salmon, sardines, mackerel, milk and orange juice fortified with vitamin D as well as shiitake mushrooms. Zinc is another crucial nutrient for eye health; working alongside carotenoids and vitamin E it protects retinal health. Zinc is recommended at 11 mg a day and can be found in oysters, beef, poultry, beans and nuts. Zinc converts beta-carotene into vitamin A while supporting retinal health through production of enzymes. Vitamin A is widely recognized for helping the retina adapt to changes in lighting conditions, and is abundantly available from food sources like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, squash and dark leafy green vegetables. Eye care practitioners may recommend higher amounts for those at risk for macular degeneration.