Eye problems can not only disrupt normal daily routines, but some can lead to blindness and vision loss, according to the MedlinePlus website. Although eating a proper diet can be beneficial for eye health, adding a few supplements to your diet can be an effective for improving eye health and degeneration. Please consult with your health care provider for taking any supplements for eye health.
Green Tea Extract
In a 2010 study conducted by the American Chemical Society and published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry," researchers discovered that catechins, potent antioxidants found in green tea, are absorbed into the tissues of the eye. Catechins protect the eye against oxidative stress that is associated with common eye diseases such as glaucoma. Scientists noted that different parts of the eye absorb different catechins. For example, the retina is more likely to absorb gallocatechin while the aqueous humor is inclined to absorb epigallocatechin.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Extract
Researchers examined the relationship between lutein and zeaxanthin and age-related macular degeneration, a condition in which a part of the retina deteriorates over time, according to findings published in the 2007 issue of the journal of "Archives of Ophthalmology." Scientists found that participants consuming the highest levels of zeaxanthin and lutein were less likely to suffer from age-related macular degeneration than those with the lowest levels of the yellow plant pigments.
Bilberry Extract
Bilberry extract might have positive effects on eye health, according to the Nutra-Ingredients website. Researchers found that bilberry extract reduces symptoms of eye inflammation by increasing several antioxidants in the blood, such as glutathione periodase and superoxide dismutase.
Vitamin C
In a 1997 study conducted by Tufts University and reported in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," researchers studied the effects of long term vitamin C supplementation on the incidence of early aged-related cataracts, a common eye condition. During the 12-year study, scientists found that vitamin C supplements were associated with a low prevalence of age-related cataracts.
References
- MedlinePlus: Eye Diseases
- Science Daily: New Evidence That Green Tea May Help Fight Glaucoma and Other Eye Diseases
- Science Daily: Certain Nutrients Associated With Reduced Risk For Age-Related Eye Disease
- Nuta Ingredients: Study supports potential eye health benefits of bilberry extracts
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Long-term vitamin C supplement use and prevalence of early age-related lens opacities
