Vitamins You Need For Healthy Eyes and Vision
We all understand that the key to a healthy lifestyle is a healthy diet. Same holds true with healthy eyes and vision. The eye needs the right balance of essential vitamins and nutrients to function (not just carrots), and certain formulations of vitamins and nutrients are proven to aid in the prevention of blinding eye diseases like macular degeneration.
What Are The Best Vitamins For Your Eyes
Lutein
Primarily found in the macula. Lutein is an important part of protecting the retinal cells by filtering damaging blue light as it enters the eye.
Vitamin A
Essential in eye surface health and helping tear production as well as the the retina's processing of light.
Vitamin B12
This powerful group of vitamins is proven to help mitigate the effects of age related eye health issues. Vitamin B12 can be found in rice, liver and dark leafy greens.
Vitamin C
An essential vitamin and antioxidant, Vitamin C is crucial for the cellular adhesions in the eyes and the brain.
Vitamin D3
Deficiency of this vitamin is linked to age related eye health issues. Vitamin D3 can be found in salmon and tuna.
Vitamin E
An essential vitamin that slows cellular aging and strengthens blood vessels. Vitamin E can be found in almonds, spinach, and chard.
Omega-3
An essential nutrient that promotes eye, heart and skin health. Deficiency in Omega-3 can result in poor eye and brain function. Omega-3 can be found in cold-water fish, flaxseed, and walnuts.
CoQ10
Important for blood vessel health and the generation of energy of heart, brain and eye cells. Coenzyme Q10 can be found in meats, soy oil, and fish
Evening Primrose Oil
An oil that assists the beneficial effects of Omega-3s.
Zeaxanthin
The most critical nutrient need for vision protection and improvement. Zeaxanthin acts as internal sunglasses for vision by protecting it from harmful blue light and other oxidants. While scarce in the typical diet, small amounts can be found in corn, peppers, and egg yolks.
Green Tea Leaf Extract
A group of antioxidants with broad benefits for the body and brain.
Curcumin
A group of antioxidants with broad benefits for the body, brain, and eyes. Curcumin is commonly found in turmeric root.
Zinc
A key mineral important for metabolism and eye health. While zinc is beneficial in many ways, many people should avoid supplemental doses of zinc. Before starting any eye vitamins you should always have your Optometrist perform a simple Macular Risk DNA test to see if you should avoid extra zinc. Zinc is found in pumpkin seeds, garlic, and dark chocolate.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
An antioxidant found in dark, leafy greens that works with Vitamins C & E to maintain eye health.
Mixed Tocopherols
Essential in slowing cellular aging and strengthening blood vessels.
Benfotiamine
A powerful antioxidant and relative of Vitamin B1. It supports a healthy nervous system and healthy blood vessels in those concerned with blood glucose levels. Benfotiamine can be found in crushed garlic, onions, and leeks.