The human eye is an incredible organ, especially the retina. The retina’s ability to process light is fantastic and allows us to see. The retina, however, requires several vitamins and nutrients to function correctly. This fact underscores the importance of vitamin supplementation for eye health.
Vitamin A
Leafy green vegetables, as well as eggs, sweet potato, carrots, and cantaloupe, are just a few of the tasty foods that contain vitamin A. However, not all of us always eat a healthy balanced diet, and vitamin A is one of those essential powerhouses for good, all-around vision.
When you don’t get enough of this primary vitamin, you can suffer from night blindness and a dry cornea. Your eyes need adequate lubrication, and vitamin A offers this necessary moisture.
Vitamin C
A study led by King’s College London and published in the journal Ophthalmology revealed an interesting connection between a higher dietary intake of vitamin C and a preventative effect on cataract (cloudy lens) progression.
The 10-year research focused on the eyes of 324 pairs of female twins from the Twins UK registry. The participants who took a higher vitamin C intake saw a 33 percent risk reduction in cataract progression. Also, they had ‘clearer’ lenses after a decade.
Niacin
B3 or niacin is another critical vitamin that plays a role in good eye health. Research has found that niacin may help prevent or delay the development of cataracts.
When you have an adequate supply of niacin, then you don’t have to worry about inflammation eye problems like those of dry eyes or red eyes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oil supplements are another way to enhance your eye health in several ways. For one, omega-3s avoid inflammation by keeping the eyes moist. The vitamins can also maintain a healthy tear film.
Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally found in your eye’s retina and are responsible for visual development.
Astaxanthin
The potent carotenoid called astaxanthin is another vitamin that helps to protect your eyes. In this case, it is successful in battling oxidative damage you can develop from high-tech devices that contain blue light (cellphones, laptop computers) and energy-efficient lightbulbs. Studies have found that astaxanthin can help reduce eye strain and fatigue.
Maintaining eye health is easy to do with a good balance of nutrients in your diet. However, not everyone has the time or inclination to cook every day. In these cases, taking a high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplement is a good way to ensure you’re getting all the essential vitamins and minerals your eyes need to stay healthy.
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