There’s a good chance you’ve heard someone saying, “Eat your carrots, they’re great for eye health.” You might have seen ads of nutritional supplements for eye health. Do minerals and vitamins benefit your vision and eye health? Continue reading to learn more about eye health supplements and other supplements.
A lot of assertions are made regarding the positive effects of supplements for vision and eye health, however little research studies back these assertions. A notable exception is Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2). These are huge studies carried out in collaboration with the National Eye Institute. The results from AREDS 2 were based on what was discovered from AREDS and enhanced the recommendations for supplements.
The research focussed on two diseases that have a significant impact on millions of Americans age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD is the main cause of loss of vision within the United States. It is a problem that affects over 10 million people. It’s mostly related to the aging process, but certain forms of macular degeneration are affecting younger individuals as well.
AMD occurs when there’s a decline of the light-sensitive cells within the macula region in the retina. This is the area of the eye that is responsible for:
recording the things we notice and relaying data to the brain
seeing fine detail
Focusing
Cataracts
It is the result of a cloud or clouding of the cornea of your eyes. It could affect your ability to see clearly enough to be able to complete routine tasks, and it can get more severe over time.
Cataracts are extremely prevalent especially among the elderly. In the year 2010, 24.4 million Americans were diagnosed with cataracts.
Supplements to be considered
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 clearer eye supplement formula can be purchased in capsules, and is typically consumed twice daily.
Results
Participants of the AREDS2 study used one of the four formulations that were identified as likely to be advantageous within this AREDS study. The supplement was taken by each participant every day for five years.
The study participants’ possibility of AMD and significant loss of vision decreased by 25 percent over the course of six years. In those suffering from AMD the condition was reduced only for those who had moderate AMD. Supplements weren’t effective for those with moderate or advanced levels of AMD.
The supplements in the study could not help to prevent AMD or reverse the loss of vision.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin supplements used in the AREDS2 formulation have been shown as reducing required cataract surgeries by 32 percent for patients who had initially inadequate concentrations of the carotenoids.
The research was promising and showed that there are some advantages to certain supplements, however they aren’t beneficial for all people. Further research is required to understand the relationship between eye health and supplements.
These supplements, which include the antioxidants in AREDS2 capsules has been proven to be beneficial to 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 main mineral found in the AREDS2 formulation. If you take zinc copper, copper absorption decreases. It is suggested that zinc 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 reduce the chance of getting cataracts, however more research is needed.
It is known as one of the “anti-stress” B vitamins, vitamin B1 helps reduce inflammation.
Initial research suggests that it could be effective treatment for uveitis an eye condition that causes inflammation and can cause 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 to be that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a form of omega-3 fatty acid aids in the growth in retinal cells. It is also believed to play the ability to reduce inflammation, and in helping the retinal cells and cornea recover and heal damaged by the exposure to light and aging.
Numerous studies have shown that those who consume more of two omega-3 fats, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) had a lower risk to develop AMD. A low level in omega-3 fats have been linked to dry eye syndrome as well as retinopathy, which is a condition that causes progressive damages to the retina. It has also been proven that infants who drink formulas that contain DHA improve their vision than those who are not given DHA.
5. Vitamin C
Numerous large studies have shown that vitamin C decreases the chance of developing certain kinds of cataracts. The two studies showed that a mix of vitamin C along with E supplements cut down the risk of cataracts and slows the progression of cataracts.
Diet should be the main source of minerals and vitamins. However The National Eye Institute advises that the high levels of AREDS2 ARES2 are not obtainable through diet only.
Alongside the diet and supplements There are additional things you can do at home to help improve eye health:
Make use of a humidifier inside your home when it is not arid. You might only have to use it in the summer or you might have to make use of it all year depending on the climate in which you live.
Drink plenty of fluids. Although weight recommendations can vary adults should drink generally between 1.5 Liters (6 14 cups) and 2 Liters (8 1/3 cup) of fluids daily.
Keep your eyes hydrated with artificial tears.
Make sure you change your furnace or conditioning filters frequently.
Avoid places where the air is dirty or dusty.
Utilize cool compresses or cucumbers or dampened and cooled , green and black tea bags to your eyes. Some people prefer calendula tea.
Make sure to consult your eye doctor prior to taking AREDS2. Ophthalmologists are doctors who is an expert in the field of eye health. Your doctor can determine whether supplements are efficient, in light of the current state of your eyesight.
Since the high doses of AREDS2 may be incompatible with other medications and should not be consumed by individuals with certain medical ailments, it’s essential to speak with your primary physician as well.
There are many ways 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 while you’re outside and try to avoid looking directly at the bright light sources.
Keep a healthy weight and an active life style.
After the age of 60, you should have an eye exam that is dilated every year.
It is important to ensure that your diet includes lots of green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, corn eggs, oranges, eggs and yellow carrots. These are foods that contain high levels of nutrients, which includes those contained inside the AREDS2 formulation.
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