When you think of taking vitamins, most don’t consider eye vitamins.

It is important to consider however that a healthy diet and proper nutrition are vital in maintaining proper eye care.

 What are Eye Supplements?

Vision supplements are products that are full of eye vitamins and other nutrients.  Research has shown again and again that vitamins are necessary for maintaining proper eye health and good vision.

Vitamins for eye health help provide added nutrients otherwise achieved from a healthy healthful diet. It must be noted however that taking eye supplements will not replace an otherwise healthy diet. Taking vitamins for eyes while eating a diet poor in nutrients will not prevent vision loss.  Eye Supplements should be taken alongside a healthy diet.

 Age-Related Eye Disease (AREDS) and Eye Vitamins

The National Eye Institute released some in-depth studies chronicling the benefits of vision supplements.

The study found that a daily eye vitamin supplement delayed and prevented the effects of vision loss and cataracts in a group of participants from ages 55 through age 80.

The eye vitamin supplement contained beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper, and showed that taking a supplement with these ingredients reduced advanced stages of vision degeneration by roughly 25 percent.

 Eye Vitamins

There are two ingredients,  lutein and zeaxanthin— whose effects are instrumental in preventing vision degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids which have been revered for their repair and prevention properties. In studies where it was reported the supplements contained these two ingredients, lutein and zeaxanthin,  there was a much lower risk of developing vision loss over the course of five years.

It was also found that taking lutein and zeaxanthin were much less likely to develop vision problems with taken with a vitamin that included lutein and zeaxanthin.

 Lutein Benefits

Lutein has long been considered the foremost “best eye vitamins” due to its ability to delay or prevent the progression of eye diseases. A powerful antioxidant, when lutein is ingested as a vitamin for eyes, it’s easily absorbed and distributed throughout the body, especially to the areas of the eyes known as macula and the lens, where cataracts are found. Interests;y there are hundreds of types of carotenoids, in supplemental and natural form, but less than twenty find their ways into the eyes.  Lutein and zeaxanthin two of those that succeed in reaching the eyes are the only two that are deposed in a high amount of their antioxidant properties into the macular part.

So what is inside of these powerful antioxidants, exactly? Well, lutein aids in combatting free radical damage, most commonly caused by the sunlight, a poor nutritional diet and other elements that would put one at risk for developing vision loss, macular degeneration and cataracts. What these antioxidants like lutein do is essentially put a shield around healthy cells, while simultaneously  preventing the growth of malignant ones.

 Vitamins for Eye Health

It is a good idea to include in your diet a dose of eye vitamins which target and promote healthy eye maintenance.

Some of the best eye vitamins include:

Vitamin A: One of the most potent vitamins that are essential in maintaining a healthy immune system. It also is known to heal wounds and is what helps us in being able to see at night.

Beta-carotene: Mostly associated with carrots, beta carotene has long been hailed as a necessity for keeping our eyes healthy.

Vitamin B complex: Helps lessen inflammation and is effective in keeping blood healthy. It has been known to help in particular eye issues which occur in the retina. It also reduces the occurrence of macular decline and issues which have been known to cause vision loss.

Vitamin C: One of the most potent antioxidants, has been believed to help lessen the risk of cataracts. Vitamin E is also known to reduce cataract risks.

Vitamin D: Known for lowering the possibility of macular degeneration.

Bioflavonoids: In their natural state can be found in fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens. Bioflavonoids are essential because they help in Vitamin C absorption. This is important because you want to absorb the maximum the vitamin has to offer.

 Eye Vision Supplements- What To Look For

Eye supplements minimize disease of the eye. There are many types and brand out there. It is much cheaper if you buy a multivitamin rather than purchase each vitamin separately. Whatever you choose, make sure the label is read carefully, and you follow the instructions. Check for the expiration date and make sure the bottle is still sealed.You might what to check with your doctor in discussing how much should be taken daily, based on the percentages of the daily value recommended. Different people require different needs, so the recommended dose is just that- a recommendation. Talk with your doctor about how much you should take. Capsules tend to be much more easily absorbed by the body than tablets and may cause less stomach upset.

As was mentioned earlier, products with bioflovoids are much more easily absorbed. That is something to look for when purchasing eye vitamins for better eyesight as they can help maximize the benefits.

Products that contain wheat, dairy or corn products are best to be avoided, as these ingredients act as fillers or substitutes of sorts. Look for names that do not have these products as they will be the most natural and potent. Remember, a nutritionist or your doctor are great resources when in doubt.

As always, read the label intently.  Those who are pregnant or nursing or are taking blood thinners will want to proceed with caution and get the go ahead with their doctor before beginning any eye vitamins or eye supplements. Vision supplements can be purchased over the counter. However, that does not make them any less prone to overdosage or toxicity.

One thing is certain, however, and that is taking proper vitamins for eye health is an important key step in maintaining healthy eyes.

Also See: Are Dietary Supplements Good for Your Health?