The inside, back section of your eye has a lining called the retina. The cells that make up the tissue receive visual information that the brain converts into images. A retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye. This condition could result in serious vision changes, especially if left untreated. Supplements cannot heal a detached retina, but certain nutrients may help strengthen your retina and reduce your risk for detachment.
Cause
One cause of a retinal detachment is an injury to the eye. This may include a blow to the eye, such as with a racquetball or other object. A detached retina may also occur for no known reason, but some people do have a greater risk for a detachment. Factors that increase your risk include previous detachment, eye surgery, a degenerative condition of the retina or other eye condition. The shape of your eye may also increase your risk for detachment since nearsighted people, those who see best close up and have blurry distance vision, have a long eye shape, resulting in thinner retinal tissue.
Protection
Surgical repair will put the retina in place, but even with solid repair, some people may still have vision loss from the detachment, according to the National Eye Institute. To promote retinal health and help prevent the condition, your doctor may recommend a supplement or a diet rich in certain nutrients. Vitamin A is a nutrient found in the retina. Some antioxidant nutrients may help protect your macula, an area of the retina, from degeneration. These nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and lutein. Your doctor can help you determine the nutrients best suited to your eyes and overall health.
Warnings
If you have a retinal detachment, you may experience a sudden increase of many new floaters and, in some cases, the floaters may fill your vision. You may also have a dark area in your vision, much like a dark curtain that blocks a portion of your visual field. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Considerations
You should not treat symptoms of a retinal detachment with a supplement without first consulting your doctor. She can examine your eye and determine the cause for the changes in your vision and recommend an appropriate treatment. Do not start taking supplements to strengthen your retina without receiving medical clearance from your doctor.
