Like graying hair and age spots, vision problems can occur naturally with aging. Hereditary factors can increase your risk of developing some eye diseases, as can poor dietary choices. B vitamins are essential to health and are sometimes used as eye-health supplements. Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits before using these supplements.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to MedlinePlus. People who have the disease experience deterioration in the macula -- the part of the retina that makes vision sharp and detailed. This type of damage can destroy your ability to read, drive and perform certain tasks. For some people, the damage caused by macular degeneration is gradual and goes unnoticed. Others, however, experience rapid vision loss in one or both eyes. B vitamins have been proved to help support eye health and prevent the onset of macular degeneration. People who regularly eat B vitamin-rich foods, such as spinach and kale, are shown to have lower risk of the disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Daily supplementation with B vitamins is also helpful.
B Vitamins
Several vitamins comprise the family of B vitamins. They are: B-, B-2, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-12 and folic acid. Aside from protecting the eyes and skin, B vitamins support overall health by helping your body convert food to energy, and by helping make red blood cells. Because the human body poorly stores these vitamins, you should ingest them on a regular basis to keep eye diseases at bay. Examples of healthy foods that contain B-vitamins include fish, poultry, dairy, eggs and green leafy vegetables. Certain breads and cereals also contain added B vitamins.
Supplements
Although you should get most of your nutrients from foods sources, if your appetite is waning or you have an underlying health condition, supplements can help you meet or exceed your daily values of B vitamins. B vitamin complex supplements are the simplest way to consume B vitamins, as they contain the entire family of B vitamins in a single pill. Find these supplements at your pharmacy.
Side Effects and Cautions
Although B vitamins are typically safe, some dangers exist in people who consume very high doses. Potential side effects include skin problems, blurred vision, high blood sugar levels, nausea and gout. High doses of folic acid can interfere with some medications. Overdosing on B vitamins can cause heart and liver complications. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate dose for you.
