It’s likely that you’ve heard someone tell you, “Eat your carrots, they’re great to your eye health.” You might have seen ads for nutritional supplements to improve eye health. Do minerals and vitamins benefit your eye health and your vision? Continue reading to learn more about eye health supplements and other supplements.
Many claims are made regarding the positive effects of supplements on eye health, yet few studies have been conducted to support these assertions. A notable exception is Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2). These are major studies that are conducted through the National Eye Institute. The results from AREDS 2 were based on what was gained from AREDS and made improvements to the clearer eye supplement recommendations.
The research were focused on two diseases that are affecting millions of Americans age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD is the most common cause of loss of vision across the United States. It’s affecting more than 10 million individuals. It is mostly associated with the aging process, but certain forms of macular degeneration can affect younger individuals as well.
AMD is a condition that causes the degeneration of cells that are sensitive to light in the macula portion in the retina. This is the region of the eye that is responsible for:
recording what we see , and then relaying this information back to our brains
seeing fine detail
Concentration
Cataracts
The term “cause” refers to a clouding or clouding of the cornea of your eyes. It can affect the ability of your eyes to see enough to carry out everyday tasks, and may get worse with time.
Cataracts are extremely prevalent particularly among older people. In 2010 24.4 million Americans were diagnosed with cataracts.
Supplements that are recommended
The AREDS2 and AREDS2 studies examined the effects on the body of high doses antioxidants, taken over several years. The final recommendations of AREDS2 included:
This supplement formula can be purchased in capsules, and is typically consumed twice daily.
Results
Participants of the AREDS2 study used one of four formulas that were identified as likely to be advantageous during this AREDS study. The supplement was taken by each participant each day for five years.
The study participants’ possibility of AMD and severe vision loss decreased by 25 percent over a period of six years. For those with AMD it was only slowed in those who have moderate AMD. Supplements weren’t effective for those suffering from moderate or advanced levels of AMD.
In addition, the supplements utilized in the study didn’t stop AMD or reverse vision loss.
Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation taken in the AREDS2 formulation have been shown to decrease eye surgery requirements by 32 per cent for those who were initially suffering from inadequate amounts of carotenoids.
The results were encouraging and revealed some advantages to specific supplements, but they aren’t beneficial on all people. Further research is required to better understand the link between eye health and supplements.
These supplements, which include the antioxidants in AREDS2 capsules are proven to be beneficial for certain individuals.
1. Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein along with Zeaxanthin can be classified as carotenoids. Carotenoids are pigments that can be found in plants as well as within your retina. The addition of these pigments can help boost the density of your retina. They also absorb ultraviolet and blue light that could damage your eyes.
2. Zinc
It is also found naturally in the eyes Zinc is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Zinc is the principal mineral found in the AREDS2 formulation. If you take zinc copper, copper absorption decreases. It is recommended that zinc supplements be taken in conjunction with copper supplements.
3. Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Vitamin B1 is vital to the eye health. There is evidence to suggest that vitamin B1 along alongside other vitamins, could lower the risk of developing cataracts. However, further research is required.
It is known as one of the “anti-stress” B vitamins, vitamin B1 is known for its ability to reduce inflammation.
Initial research suggests that it might be effective treatment for uveitis, an eye condition that causes inflammation and could lead to blindness.
4. Omega-3 fat acids
The diet of the majority of Americans isn’t rich enough in omega-3 fatty acids. The primary source is fish. The retina’s photoreceptor cells have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is considered the fact that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a kind of omega-3 fatty acids, aids in the growth in retinal cells. It’s also believed to play the ability to reduce inflammation as well as helping retinal cells as well as the cornea recover and heal following damage caused by age and exposure to light.
Many studies show that those who consume more of two omega-3 acid fatty acids, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) had a lower risk to develop AMD. Insufficient levels of omega-3 acids have been linked to dry eye syndrome as well as retinopathy, an eye disease that causes destruction to retina. It has also been proven that infants who drink formulas that contain DHA have better vision than those who are not given DHA.
5. Vitamin C
A number of large studies demonstrate that vitamin C decreases the likelihood of developing certain kinds of cataracts. One of the studies showed that a mix of vitamin C along with E supplements decreased the risk of cataracts and slows the progression of cataracts.
Diet is the main source of minerals and vitamins. However The National Eye Institute advises that the high doses of vitamin A found in the AREDS2 cannot be obtained through diet by itself.
Alongside the diet and supplements in addition to supplements and diet, there are other ways you can take at home to help improve eye health:
Install a humidifier at your home if it is not arid. It is possible to use it during the season or you might have to utilize it throughout the year depending on the climate you reside in.
Make sure you drink plenty of water. Although weight recommendations can vary adults should drink generally between 1.5 Liters (6 14 cups) and 2 two liters (8 1/3 cup) of fluids per day.
Make sure your eyes are moist by using artificial tears.
Make sure you change your furnace or conditioning filters frequently.
Avoid places that have dusty or dirty air.
Utilize cool compresses or cucumbers or dampened and chilled green and black tea bags over your eyes. Some people prefer calendula tea.
Make sure to consult your eye doctor prior to taking AREDS2. A doctor called an ophthalmologist who is specialized in the field of eye health. Your doctor can determine whether supplements are efficient, based on the state of your eyesight.
Since the high doses of AREDS2 may interact with other medications , and should not be consumed by individuals with certain medical issues, it’s crucial to speak with your primary physician also.
There are numerous things you can take care of to improve your eyesight health.
Don’t smoke. Smoking can damage the blood vessels of the eyes, which could cause macular degeneration, cataracts and other vision problems.
Make sure your eyes are protected from ultraviolet light. Wear sunglasses outdoors and try to avoid looking directly at glowing lights.
Keep a healthy weight and an active life style.
At the age of 60, have an annual dilated eye examination each year.
It is important to ensure that your diet includes plenty of leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, corn eggs, oranges, eggs yellow carrots. These are foods that contain high levels of nutrients, such as those within the AREDS2 formulation.
