Vitamins for Good Vision
A variety of vitamins protect, sustain and strengthen good eye health. Nutrients in certain foods will provide some of the vitamins you need for good eye health, but supplements will ensure that you are receiving the properly balanced amounts necessary. However, these vitamins are not remedies for eye trouble. If your vision is worsening or you have significant eye troubles, schedule an appointment with a vision specialist.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A nourishes the cells on the outer lining of your eye. When this lining is healthy, it protects your eye by shielding the under-layers from harmful bacteria, which cause eye infections. A lack of vitamin A can also result in dry eyes and diminishing sight. Night blindness is often one of the first symptoms of eye disturbances caused by vitamin A deficiency. Damage to the retina can eventually occur when the exterior layer is not in good health, and the outcome could result in blindness. Proper amounts of vitamin A can prevent such losses and can actually improve eyesight. Supplements are not the only way to get an adequate amount of vitamin A, since foods such as whole milk, carrots, liver, sweet potatoes and spinach are all super sources of this vitamin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a nutrient in many nuts such as peanuts, hazelnuts and almonds. A condition called "macular degeneration" occurs when the eye's "macula" is no longer operating efficiently due to a vitamin E deficiency. When your eye cannot properly focus on or sharpen an object, this may be the result of macular degeneration. Eating nuts that are rich in vitamin E is a great preventative resource, but once has set in, vitamin E should be taken in supplemental form to prevent any further damage.
Vitamin C
The retina's blood vessels are formed and strengthened through vitamin C. Since the retina is responsible for receiving bright images as well as maintaining the cornea's connective tissue, this vitamin is essential to proper eyesight. A deficiency in vitamin C could potentially lead to decreased vision. Once this occurs, cataracts and macular degeneration could also result and ultimately lead to blindness. To prevent this spiral of dismal events from occurring, consume a diet rich in vitamin C through vitamin supplements and sources such as oranges, broccoli, blueberries, apples and strawberries, as well as red, yellow and green peppers.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is essential to overall vision from the formation of blood vessels in the eye as a baby, all the way to improving eyesight as an older adult. Since many foods are rich in beta-carotene, it is relatively easy to add beta-carotene to your daily diet and reap its benefits. Some of the foods that contain beta-carotene are carrots, apricots, mangoes, cantaloupe and multicolored peppers.
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