Eyes are one of the most essential and useful parts of the body. They enable you to see the world, work with the brain to perceive the size, shape, colour, and texture of objects, and help measure distances. Maintaining eye health is crucial. While the approach to doing so is up to you, sometimes, when issues arise, nutritional supplements may be beneficial, especially if taken under the right circumstances and with the guidance of an expert.
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What Are Common Supplements For The Eyes?
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Bhavin Tilva, Glaucoma and Retina Consultant, Netradeep Maxivision Eye Hospital, Rajkot, says, “Supplements that work best for eye health include vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These nutrients help protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, also support eye health by maintaining the moisture and structural integrity of the eyes.”
He adds that it is best to take these supplements with meals to enhance absorption.
“For those with specific eye conditions or at higher risk, such as older adults, these supplements can be particularly beneficial,” he adds, advising them to always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage and combination for individual needs.
Who Should Take Them?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, many people take supplements to “prevent and slow the progression of certain eye diseases such as cataract, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.”
The health body suggests that evidence shows a combination of vitamins E and C, beta-carotene, and zinc, also known as the AREDS formulation, may reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD.
Dr Tilva agrees that taking supplements for eye health can be beneficial, especially for those at risk of age-related eye conditions like macular degeneration or glaucoma.
“Supplements containing vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin have been shown to support eye health and potentially slow the progression of these conditions,” he says, reiterating the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen. This is because individual needs can vary, and excessive intake of certain vitamins and minerals can cause adverse effects.
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Are They Safe And Effective?
As far as safety and effectiveness are concerned, Dr Tilva says that eye supplements can be effective in improving vision health, particularly for individuals at risk of AMD and cataracts.
He notes that they are not typically intended to correct vision problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness but can help maintain overall eye health and slow the progression of degenerative conditions.
A 10-year follow-up of the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2) confirms that replacing beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin in an eye health supplement is a safer and more effective approach.
The original formula with beta-carotene increased lung cancer risk in smokers, while the new formula with lutein and zeaxanthin doesn’t, researchers noted. Additionally, the new formula showed a 20% greater reduction in AMD progression compared to the original one. This suggests lutein and zeaxanthin are a safe and superior alternative for AMD prevention.
Bottomline
While supplements can prove effective in slowing down the progression of eye-related conditions like AMD, it is important to note that a balanced diet and regular eye exercises can also help reduce the risk. Dr Tilva says a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and fruits also plays a crucial role in maintaining good eye health. In fact, you can also get some important eye-friendly nutrients from foods rich in vitamin C like citrus fruits, peppers, and broccoli; vitamin E from nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil; zinc from meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, and legumes; and lutein and zeaxanthin found abundantly in leafy greens like kale and spinach.
