Diabetics have a greater risk for certain types of eye disease. One condition, called diabetic retinopathy, results from changes in the retinal blood vessels. The retina is the sensitive tissue lining the back, inside portion of your eye. The National Eye Institute reports that diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among adults in the United States. Along with good blood sugar control, certain vitamins and herbs may help you protect your eyes from diabetes-related eye conditions.
Vitamins
Diabetic eye disease, such as diabetic retinopathy, can damage the retinal tissue, as well as the macula, an area of tissue located on the retina. Your doctor may recommend that you increase your intake of vitamins that may help strengthen and protect your retina and macula. Diabetics also have a greater risk for cataracts, a condition that clouds the natural lens in your eye, and some nutrients may also help prevent or slow down growth. These vitamins include vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E. Food sources of vitamin C include oranges, grapefruit, strawberries and spinach. Foods such as carrots, spinach and cantaloupe contain vitamin A. Vitamin E foods include almonds, sunflower seeds and peanuts.
Bilberry
Bilberry extract is an herbal supplement often recommended for the protection the herb may provide for your eyes. This fruit not only provides beneficial vitamin C, but bilberry also contains anthocyanosides, a component that may help protect your retina, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. If your doctor feels bilberry could help prevent diabetic eye conditions, she will recommend a dosage. A low dose of bilberry may start at around 80mg, and a high dose can range up to 480mg each day.
Other Nutrients
In addition to vitamins A, C and E and bilberry, nutrients such as zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin may help protect your eyes from certain eye conditions. You can find these nutrients in a number of food sources. Oysters provide a significant amount of zinc, along with other foods such as cooked beef and eggs. In most cases, you will find lutein and zeaxanthin together. Many dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, contain lutein and zeaxanthin. Other lutein and zexanthin-rich foods include corn and green peas.
Considerations
If you decide to make dietary changes in order to protect your eyes from diabetes-related eye conditions, you should talk to your doctor. High doses of certain vitamins, nutrients and herbal supplements may interact with medications you take. Instead of dietary sources of these nutrients, your doctor may recommend a vitamin supplement that will provide many of the nutrients you need to protect your eyes.
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