Vitamins are the building blocks of the eyes. They are essential for protection and regeneration of many parts of the eyes. Vitamins are present in many of the foods we eat. When people don’t have proper diets, they can develop vitamin deficiencies. These deficiencies are found in many parts of the world where unhealthy diets are found.
Vitamin A is used by the eye to make pigment for the retina (if the eye were a camera, the retina is the film). Vitamin A also helps keep the cornea (the outer window of the eye) wet and clear.
Vitamin C and E, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants. Antioxidants are vitamins that slow down oxidation is the cells of our body. Oxidation is one of the processes that cause aging and deterioration of our body. The main areas in the eyes that are affected the most by aging are the lens (the focusing part of the eye) and the retina. So these antioxidant vitamins slow down the aging of the eye and lower the risk of developing significant macular degeneration and cataracts. Omega-3 vitamins are another antioxidant that helps slow the aging of the eye that causes dryness and discomfort on the cornea of the eye.
The eyes are healthiest when there is a good balance of vitamins. Having too much of a vitamin can be harmful so multivitamins are usually the best way to supplement your diet and balance the vitamins in your eyes. Talk to your doctor about specific deficiencies and treatments.
