Studies indicate that certain combinations of vitamins and minerals could potentially slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). You can get these nutritional supplements through diet alone – particularly dark leafy greens and colorful fruits and vegetables.

Individuals at high risk for advanced AMD can reduce their chance of central vision loss by 19 percent when taking vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, and zinc together.

Lutein and zeaxanthin

Lutein (lay-tee-in) and zeaxanthin (zye-ah-zan-thin), two carotenoids that provide antioxidant protection to vegetables and fruits with yellow or orange hues like spinach, kale, carrots, orange peppers, egg yolks etc. They act as natural light filters while simultaneously helping reduce risk for macular degeneration as well as cataracts in humans.

Studies have demonstrated that individuals consuming higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin through diet or supplementation experience improved low-light visual performance and have reduced risks of macular degeneration due to age-related macular degeneration. Furthermore, such individuals can lower the risk of cataracts, improve cognitive function and support overall eye health.

These powerful antioxidants are found deposited in the macula of eyes and act as internal sunglasses to filter out high-energy blue light that can damage retina. Their presence contributes to maintaining healthy macular pigment density – an indicator of eye health – as well as reduced risk for wet macular degeneration – an eye disease which can lead to serious vision loss.

Like other carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin cannot be produced naturally by human bodies; so its consumption via food or nutritional supplements is essential to helping prevent and treat macular degeneration of the eyes, the leading cause of legal blindness among those aged 55+. A well-balanced diet and regular physical activity may also lower your risk for macular degeneration – eating plenty of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil/DHA/vitamin C/zinc/copper rich foods are particularly recommended).

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient found in fruits and vegetables that plays a critical role in eye health, helping maintain strength and strength in the eyes as well as absorb iron better and support healthy immune function. Studies have also indicated that supplementing with high doses of vitamin C may lower risk of cataract formation while also slowing age-related macular degeneration progression.

Retinal health is essential to seeing fine details clearly, and when this part of the eye deteriorates due to disease it can result in loss of central vision and macular degeneration – where you cannot see details close up even though they exist – which makes daily tasks such as driving and reading increasingly challenging and can even lead to complete blindness in some instances.

Diets rich in lutein and zeaxanthin may help prevent macular degeneration. You’ll find these nutrients in foods like green leafy vegetables, summer squash and pistachios; eggs also provide omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E, along with dark chocolate and guava for additional source of these vital vitamins.

Human bodies cannot produce vitamin C on its own, so it is vitally important that people obtain their daily recommended amount from food sources such as citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits and lemons), berries and tomatoes. Vitamin C from such sources contains bioflavonoids which may help lower risk for wet macular degeneration – a form of macular degeneration caused by new blood vessels growing under retina weakened by drusen or atrophy that leak serum and bleed into surrounding tissue, eventually leading to scar tissue creation that eventually causes vision loss.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and may help protect the eyes by decreasing free radical formation. Free radicals can damage eye cells and increase your risk for macular degeneration as well as other health complications. Vitamin E can be found in many food items including nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables and whole grains as well as being available as dietary supplements.

Studies suggest that taking daily vitamin E supplements could slow the progression of dry macular degeneration (AMD). According to the AREDS II trial (a multicenter clinical trial of zinc oxide, copper, vitamins C and E, lutein and omega-3 fatty acids), those taking the highest daily dosage – 400 IUs — had reduced risks for advanced AMD.

There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin E could also prevent wet macular degeneration, which can lead to permanent vision loss. More research needs to be conducted in order to confirm this finding.

Researchers suggest that vitamin E could enhance eye health by increasing T cell counts in your body, which help your immune system fight infections and autoimmune conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or type 1 diabetes. Vitamin E has been said to boost T cell counts by blocking certain proteins which interfere with their functionality and may hinder their effectiveness.

Vitamin E contains eight different substances, with alpha-tocopherol being one of the key ones for eye health. As an essential nutrient and powerful antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol may reduce risk factors related to macular degeneration, cataracts and vascular occlusive events. You can find this nutrient in many food products like peanuts, sunflower seeds, kiwi fruit almonds and spinach; additionally it’s available as supplemental form often denoted with “dl” before its name, such as “dl-alpha-tocopherol”.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseed oils have become an increasingly important topic of conversation regarding health and wellness. These polyunsaturated fats play an essential role in cell membrane function as well as natural anti-inflammatory benefits that may help reduce macular degeneration inflammation.

Studies have demonstrated that increasing your diet with omega-3 fatty acids can significantly slow or even reverse age-related macular degeneration. One key reason is due to omega-3s’ ability to reduce drusen build-up on retina, which over time forms deposits that lead to macular degeneration. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids may help protect against wet form macular degeneration caused by blood vessels burst causing fluid leakage behind retina leading to blurred vision and further macular degeneration.

Omega-3 fatty acids consist of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). You can find ALA in flaxseed, chia seeds and soy products while cold water fish like salmon, tuna and trout are great sources of DHA and EPA; alternatively you may take omega-3 supplements that directly contain DHA/EPA; always ensure it carries USP verification for authenticity!

Omega-3 fatty acids provide numerous health benefits beyond improving vision. Omega-3s can assist with brain development and function, depression, high cholesterol, heart disease, inflammatory conditions and certain cancers, in addition to acting as powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals that damage cells. For optimal results it’s recommended that two servings of fish (preferably salmon, trout, mackerel and herring ) per week are consumed, or alternatively invest in reputable omega-3 supplements.

Bilberry

Bilberries, like blueberries, are naturally rich in vitamin C and E as well as anthocyanins, as well as being protective against eye health concerns like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. Their powerful antioxidant properties have also been demonstrated to improve vision quality in low light environments.

One British fighter pilot in World War 2 is said to have used bilberry jam as part of his night missions in order to improve their night vision. Bilberry can help strengthen capillaries and reduce inflammation, thus helping prevent eye problems from developing further. Bilberries also contain Vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, iron potassium and zinc making this fruit an invaluable source of nutrition.

Studies have revealed that bog bilberry has the ability to increase retinal pigment epithelium thickness and its isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor, potentially slowing macular degeneration by preventing any atrophy-causing change to RPE/IS/OS junction layers.

This natural anti-inflammatory supplement may help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels while protecting against diabetic retinopathy and atherosclerosis by improving circulation and lowering blood pressure.

As part of your effort to maintain healthy eyesight, it’s recommended that you take a dietary supplement containing bilberry extract with lutein and zeaxanthin in capsule or liquid form to preserve eye health. There are various kinds of these supplements on the market including capsules or liquid solutions; but if considering this herbal remedy it’s wise to consult an herbalist or naturopath who understands its uses before starting any regimen containing fresh or raw dried supplements due to potential parasitic fungus growing on their fruit that could pose threats that should be avoided at all cost.