Are Eye Supplements Beneficial?
Are Eye Supplements Beneficial?
We often assume that we will absorb all the nourishment the body needs by eating a well-balanced diet. Numerous factors may affect this, from poor soil conditions in farming to the body’s ability to capture nutrients through digestion. For this reason, many people consider the value of supplements. Beyond a daily multivitamin, several types of supplements can be taken, including some that are formulated specifically for the eyes. Here, we discuss why and what those supplements could do for you.
AREDS: What Is it and What Does it Mean for Eye Health?
AREDS is not a product, it is a body of research. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study was one of the most influential studies conducted in recent years. An initial study, and also a follow up, AREDS2, were sponsored by the National Eye Institute to observe the effects of two multivitamin formulations on the development and progression of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. These common eye diseases typically affect people over the age of 55 and can be difficult to slow without consistent management. Each AREDS study determined that the risk of disease progression in high-risk patients could be reduced by approximately 25 percent through the consumption of specific supplementation.
Vitamins and Minerals for Eyes
Studies have identified a variety of nutrients that are known to have benefits for eye health. Many of them are antioxidants, chemicals that combat the cellular damage done by toxins and reactive oxygen. According to the AREDS clinical trial multivitamins, the following ingredients offer significant eye health benefits:
- Beta-carotene. This precursor to vitamin A is in carrots, kale, beef or chicken liver, and sweet potatoes. It is an essential nutrient for night vision.
- Vitamin C. When we eat oranges, kale, broccoli, and grapefruit, we get a dose of vitamin C. Known for its ability to ward off the average cold, vitamin C also reduces the risk of cataracts.
- Vitamin E. Available in peanuts, almonds, and wheat germ, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant known to act against risks for cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Studies suggest that this nutrient, contained in many supplements, is protective against dry eye syndrome and macular degeneration.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin. These plant pigments were incorporated into the AREDS2 study in place of beta-carotene. Found in kale, spinach, and turnip greens, lutein and zeaxanthin may be protective against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Before taking new vitamins and supplements, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. Our board-certified ophthalmologists offer comprehensive care and can provide information about clinically tested eye supplements. To learn more, call (855) 515-2020.