Diabetes is a health condition that results when you have too much glucose in your blood. This disease can affect many parts of your body, including your eyes. In 2007, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse noted that diabetes-related conditions caused the most cases of blindness in adults ranging from ages 20 to 74. To help prevent vision damage, you should talk with your doctor about the vitamins that may help protect your eyes from diabetes-related conditions.
Eye Disease
Many diabetics have a condition known as diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that damages the blood vessels in the retina, the tissue that lines the inside of the back section of your eye. This condition can cause significant vision loss, including blindness. Treatment typically includes laser procedures to stop bleeding and further damage to the vessels. Diabetics also have an increased risk for other eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, both of which may lead to vision changes.
Vitamins
Vitamins cannot treat eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy. Antioxidant nutrients, however, may help promote retinal health and help reduce your risk for retinal damage. These important vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Antioxidants such as these may help prevent macular degeneration, an eye disease that affects an area of the retina. This could indicate the potential benefits in protecting your eyes against diabetic retinopathy or other eye conditions. If your doctor thinks these nutrients may help protect your eyes, she may recommend you take a supplement that contains these nutrients each day.
Omega-3
In 2007, the National Institutes of Health released study information that indicates that omega-3 may help prevent or slow down diabetic retinopathy. Fish oil and flaxseed oil contains these beneficial fatty acids, and both come in capsule form. If your doctor believes omega-3 may help prevent diabetes-related eye disease or other conditions, she will tell you how much omega-3 to use each day.
Considerations
Do not begin taking daily vitamins and supplements without first talking with your doctor. Certain nutrients may interact with medications you take or with a health condition. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and risk factors to help you develop a vitamin and supplement plan that will offer the best protection for your eyes.
References
- National Eye Institute: Facts About Diabetic Retinopathy
- American Optometric Association: Diet & Nutrition
- All About Vision: Vitamin A and Beta Carotene: Eye Benefits
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: NIH News: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Protect Eyes Against Retinopathy, Study Finds
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC): National Diabetes Statistics, 2007
