There are many great vitamins for eye health available in your regular diet and in supplement form, all of which can have a significant impact on your vision.
Vitamins are the essential micronutrients that our bodies need for almost every metabolic process and function.When it comes to vision health, vitamin deficiencies can lower the defenses of the eyes, and impair their function, so it is always wise to have enough of these vitamins for eye health in your diet. Particularly as you age, and as oxidative stress and wear make your eyes more vulnerable, understanding vitamins for eye health and using them to your advantage is the key. [1]
Best Vitamins for Eye Health
Top micronutrients and vitamins for eye health include vitamins C and E, lutein, and zeaxanthin. The benefits of vitamins for the eyes include preventing macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Lutein
Lutein is an anti-inflammatory carotenoid compound found in high quantities in foods like orange vegetables, leafy green vegetables, pineapples, and oranges. This bioactive compound is able to help prevent macular degeneration since it acts as an antioxidant in the eyes. [2]
Vitamin C
This general immune system support vitamin is very good for eye health, as it can control inflammation in the eye, and is also integral to the production of collagen, which is needed to repair any damage to your eyes’ tissues. [3]
Vitamin A
This vitamin has been linked to speeding up the healing process in the eye following an injury or surgery. [4]
Foods rich in certain nutrients can have a powerful effect on eye health. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Zinc
Zinc is present in high concentrations in the tissues of the eye. This mineral is an important part of relieving inflammation and eliminating waste products that can cause vision problems.
Zeaxanthin
Often found in conjunction with lutein, zeaxanthin is another carotenoid that can directly protect the macula of the eye and prevent macular degeneration and oxidative stress. [5]
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These anti-inflammatory fats are beneficial for tissue integrity throughout the body. They can prevent any damage to the eyes that commonly occurs in diabetics.
Health Benefits
The most important benefits of vitamins for the eyes include preventing macular degeneration and glaucoma and slowing down the development of cataracts.
Cataracts
Having the proper eye vitamins in your diet means a lower risk of cataracts forming as you get older, and improved vision.
Free Radical Damage
Lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, and vitamin E all protect against free radical damage, which is a major contributor to vision problems. [6]
Eye Fatigue
You want to keep your eye muscles strong and focused, and having proper vitamins can ensure that your eyes can stay open all day!
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition that affects millions of people all over the world. It can be slowed down or prevented entirely with proper levels of eye vitamins.
Eye Tissues
Some eye vitamins can keep the eyes hydrated. Others protect tissues from damage, all of which combines to help your vision.
Light Sensitivity
Vitamins are a key line of defense against increased light sensitivity and discomfort, which often happens as you age.
