Vitamins are essential nutrients required by the body to function normally and there are many diseases and health related issues that may arise from a vitamin deficiency. These health-related issues include problems in the eyes. By taking the recommended dietary intake of important vitamins, not only will you be reducing the risk of eye problems, you will be improving your eyesight as well. Here is a list of essential vitamins to help your eyesight:
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is required in large doses to ensure proper functioning of the retina, especially at night. Vitamin A also plays a vital role in preventing dryness in the eyes.
Lutein: A highly essential supplement for eye health, lutein forms a protective shield and prevents the formation of cataracts as well as macular degeneration in the eyes. This eye health supplement can be found in leafy green vegetables, orange vegetables, citrus fruits and egg yolks.
Beta Carotene: Found in foods such as sweet potato, kale, spinach and carrots, beta carotene can be converted into vitamin A to prevent a host of diseases caused by its deficiency. It can help prevent loss of vision from degenerative conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. It can also slow down the progression of eye nerve damage such as glaucoma.
Vitamin C: This vitamin is used in the treatment and prevention of glaucoma as well as for the maintenance of collagen tissue in the eyes. This antioxidant gets rid of free radicals to help your body absorb more nutrients and trace minerals.
Selenium: Selenium is an eye health supplement that is a good source of natural antioxidants and can be easily consumed as a supplement. It can be found naturally in Brazil nuts.
Chromium: A healthy level of chromium in the body helps maintain balanced intraocular pressure in the eyes. It can be easily obtained from onions and tomatoes.
Zinc: Zinc lowers the risk of acquiring macular degeneration and provides protection for your retina. It also helps with nutrient absorption and waste elimination which makes it a perfect addition to any diet. Nuts, meat from grass-fed animals and fish are great sources of zinc.
Copper: The intake of a minimum 2 mg of copper in natural or artificial supplements can enhance the functioning of the antioxidant enzymes in the eye. Whole grain cereals, legumes and oysters are rich in copper.
Manganese: Wheat germ, nuts and seeds are the richest source of manganese and can enhance the ocular functions of the eye. When it comes to eye health, vitamin deficiencies can lower the defenses of the eyes and impair their function, so it is wise to have the proper amount of these vitamins for eye health in your diet. To learn more about eye health, contact Palmetto Eye & Laser Center at 864-583-6381 or palmettoeyeandlaser.com today.
