Many different eye conditions can affect your eyes. Glaucoma is where you have an overly high eye pressure that gradually damages your vision. Another common condition, cataracts, occurs when the natural lens in your eye turns hard and cloudy, a gradual change that will ultimately require surgery to restore vision. You may wish to talk with your doctor about nutrients and herbs that could help prevent damage to your eyes.
Nutrients
Nutrients cannot prevent or treat glaucoma, but proper nutrition will aid in the general health of your eyes. Antioxidant nutrients may help prevent cataracts and other eye diseases, such as macular degeneration. Beneficial eye nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin. If you plan to change your intake of these nutrients, contact your doctor and she can help you determine how to have the proper intake through diet. Your doctor may recommend a daily supplement that contains the dosage of these vitamins you need each day.
AREDS Research
In 2001 the National Eye Institute released information on a study called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. This study, also known as AREDS, determined that high doses of certain vitamins and minerals could help slow the progression of macular degeneration. The dosage includes 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 International Units of vitamin E, 25,000 IU of vitamin A and 80 mg of zinc. AREDS also recommends 2 mg of copper to reduce your risk of a copper deficiency related to high zinc dosages. As of 2011, the National Eye Institute continues to evaluate the role of nutrients, such as omega-3, lutein and zeaxanthin, in eye disease prevention.
Herbs
Herbal supplements may offer some benefits for eye health. The components of bilberry extract may help prevent eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. However, as of 2011, evidence does not indicate the validity of that belief. In a small study of glaucoma patients who took ginkgo biloba supplements, researchers found that those who took ginkgo had some improvement in vision, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Ginkgo also contains antioxidants that may help prevent eye diseases such as macular degeneration.
Considerations
You should not begin taking a nutritional supplement or herb before discussing your options with your doctor. Certain herbs may interact with medications or health conditions, and some people may need to limit their intake of some nutrients due to health issues. Your doctor can help you determine if you have risk factors that prevent you from using supplements, and she can also help you make the right choices to prevent eye disease and promote healthy eyes.
References
- American Optometric Association: Diet & Nutrition
- National Eye Institute: The AREDS Formulation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Glaucoma Research Foundation: Alternative Medicine
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bilberry
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginkgo Biloba
