Macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma are examples of age-related eye disorders that directly affect the quality of life for many older adults. Although lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive sun exposure and alcohol can contribute to the deterioration of vision, a healthy diet, regular professional eye care and dietary supplements will help you to keep your vision sharp throughout old age. If you are concerned about age-related eye diseases, you should ask your doctor whether vitamin and mineral supplements are right for you.
Vitamin A
Older adults who are deficient in vitamin A may experience difficulty with night vision. Animal products and fish contain measurable amounts of vitamin A, while beta carotene -- the precursor of vitamin A -- is found in orange and green produce, such as pumpkin, apricots, broccoli and spinach. Depending upon gender, the recommended daily dose of vitamin A for adults is between 700 and 900 mcg each day. Because excessive levels of vitamin A can cause serious side effects, you should consult your primary care physician to determine the correct dose for you.
Vitamin B
Although science continues to make gains in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, with the exception of smoking, the risk factors for developing the disease remain uncertain. In a joint study conducted by the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, approximately 2,600 women who received vitamin B supplements had a 34-percent lower risk of developing "visually significant" AMD. According to the study authors, supplementation with B vitamins and folic acid appears to be a verifiable means of preventing AMD in women of average risk.
Vitamin C
Abundant in many vegetables and citrus fruits, some findings suggest supplementation with vitamin C may slow or prevent the development of cataracts and reduce the risk of macular degeneration in older adults. Because the human body must rely upon diet to obtain adequate levels of vitamin C, supplementation with a food-based vitamin is frequently recommended. Most foods high in vitamin C contain bioflavonoids, substances responsible for the pigments in fruits and vegetables and believed to work in concert with vitamin C for optimum eye health.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin long recognized for its contribution to the body's circulatory system. A strong antioxidant, vitamin E may help to prevent or delay the development of chronic ocular diseases. However, oral supplementation is contraindicated in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary disease characterized by the progressive loss of peripheral vision. Although evidence to support the role of vitamin E in the prevention of macular degeneration is inconclusive, studies to determine the efficacy of treatment and protection from both cataracts and uveitis continue.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine; Clinical Advisory: Antioxidant Vitamins and Zinc Reduce Risk of Vision Loss From Age-Related Macular Degeneration Same Nutrients Have No Effect on the Development of Cataract; October 2001
- All About Vision: Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids: Powerful Eye Antioxidants
- "Review of Optometry"; The Antioxidant Powerhouse: Vitamin E; Tony Cavallerano; June 2009
- All About Vision; How Diet and Nutrition Protect Aging Eyes; Shereen Jegtvig
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin A
- ScienceDaily; Vitamin B and Folic Acid May Reduce Risk of Age-Related Vision Loss; March 2009
