Nutrition For Your Eyes

By Donald C. Bartnick, CMPE, CEO

Maryland Eye Associates

. http://marylandeyeassociates.com

More Vision & Eye Care Articles

Nutrition For Your Eyes

Nutrition for your eyes? What a strange concept. What possible impact does nutrition have on my eyes? Our nutrition, vitamins and dietary supplements do help to maintain eye health and forestall eye diseases.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology provides some excellent information about nutrition and eye health.

Foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA are good for eye health as well as general health, according to the Age-Related Eye Diseases Study (AREDS), funded by the National Eye Institute, and other research.

These nutrients are linked to lower risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataract and dry eye later in life. Choosing healthier foods is a good thing no matter how early or late in life we begin.

Eye-healthy food choices include citrus fruits, vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and cold water fish.

People who have diabetes or AMD or are at risk for these diseases can also benefit by following a low-glycemic (low-GI) index diet. Most people with diabetes, and others who have used a low-GI diet to lose weight, are familiar with glycemic index charts. The GI value is based on how fast a food's carbohydrates raise the body's blood sugar levels; low GI foods have less impact on blood sugar fluctuations.

People with AMD may be able to slow the progression of the disease by taking a special nutrient supplement called the AREDS 2 formula, developed as a result of the AREDS2 research(a follow-up to the study described above). The formula includes

Vitamin C (500 mg)

Vitamin E (400 IU)

Lutein (10 mg)

Zeaxanthin (2 mg)

Zinc oxide (80 mg)

Copper oxide (2 mg)

This is promising news for people who are at risk for or already have AMD. But before stocking up on these supplements, be sure to talk with your ophthalmologist (eye M.D.) to learn if they are recommended for you. Some people should not take large doses of antioxidants or zinc for medical reasons.

If you currently take an older version of the supplement based on the original AREDS formula, ask your eye M.D. before you switch to the AREDS 2 formula.

People who smoke should ask their physician before taking the original AREDS supplement, because one of the ingredients, beta carotene, has been associated with a higher risk of lung cancer in smokersor people who have recently quit smoking.

An alternate version of the original AREDS supplement formulated to be safe for smokers is available. Your eye M.D. can give you more information on this option.

The new AREDS 2 formula does not contain beta carotene.

A large study in women showed a potential benefit from taking supplements of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12.

Vitamins and nutritional supplements are not a cure for eye disease. They cannot restore vision that may already be lost. Good nutrition, and well selected vitamins and dietary supplements can help to maintain healthy eyes and help to forestall vision problems.

Talk with your eye M.D. about any concerns you have about your eye health.