Several studies done in the last few years have proven the benefit of vitamin supplementation on eye disease. With the population of the United States aging, macular degeneration, a disease that affects the retina of the eye, cataracts and other age-related changes have become more prevalent. The rising incidence of diabetes has also increased diabetic retinopathy, which causes bleeding and decreased vision in the retina. Specific vitamin formulations help reduce the risk of eye disease in people at high risk for certain diseases.
AREDS Formulation
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study, or AREDS study, conducted by the National Eye institute, followed 3,600 patients with macular degeneration over a six-year period. The study concluded that patients who took a specific vitamin preparation called the AREDS formula reduced their risk of developed, advanced, age-related macular degeneration, the type of AMD that most affects vision, by 25 percent. The formula consists of 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 15 mg of beta carotene, 80 mg of zinc as zinc oxide and 2 mg of copper as cupric oxide, added to prevent copper deficiency anemia, which is associated with high zinc levels. Beta carotene can increase the risk of developing lung cancer in heavy smokers, so smokers should discuss whether to take a special formula that does not contain beta carotene with their medical practitioner.
B Vitamins
Vitamin B complex may help reduce vascular problems within the eye as well as macular degeneration and uveitis, inflammation of the middle portion of the eye, All About Vision states.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The National Eye Institute's ongoing study of additional supplements on the eye, called the AREDS2 study, looks at the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the progression of AMD in the retina. Studies in mice showed a reduction in retinopathy of around 50 percent when omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish were added to the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids also appear to decrease dry eye syndrome in some people.
Xanthophylls
Xanthophylls, a type of pigment that imparts a yellow pigment to foods, includes two compounds that may help prevent the eye from developing macular degeneration and cataracts. Lutein and zeaxanthin absorb blue light, a high-energy light ray that may damage the eye. Lutein and zeaxanthin seem to act as antioxidants, protecting the eye from free radicals, unstable molecules that damage cells, All About Vision states. The AREDS2 study, started in 2006 and running for five years, will give answers on the benefit of xanthophylls, which occurs naturally in green leafy vegetables and other yellow and green vegetables, on the eye.
References
- All About Vision:Guide to Choosing Nutritional Supplements for Vision
- National Eye Institute:The AREDS Formulation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- All About Vision:Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Eye and Vision Benefits
- National Eye Institute: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Protect Eyes Against Retinopathy, Study Finds
