Retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive eye disease that often appears in childhood, resulting in vision changes that may gradually lead to complete loss of straight-ahead vision. Genetics contribute to the occurrence of the condition, and treatments do not reverse or prevent damage. However, research indicates that vitamin A could slow down damage. A diet rich in this nutrient and other antioxidants could protect the macula and retina, the lining at the back of the eye.
Vitamin A
In 1993, the National Eye Institute released a statement to doctors that recommends treating retinitis pigmentosa with vitamin A. The study cited by the National Eye Institute showed that a dose between 15,000 and 18,000 IU of vitamin A daily slowed down the degenerative process. Reaching these levels with diet alone could prove difficult since the average adult requires between 700 and 900 IU of vitamin A. If your doctor recommends high, therapeutic doses of vitamin A, you may wish to discuss using your diet for part of your vitamin A intake and supplements to make up the balance each day.
Other Nutrients
A number of antioxidant nutrients may have benefits to the health of your retina, and, in particular, your macula, the central spot of tissue at the back of your eye. The light receptor cells that make up the macula help provide you with straight ahead vision. In a 2001 study by the National Eye Institute, researchers found that, in addition to vitamin A, nutrients such as vitamin C, E and zinc may help reduce the risk of cell damage, and this reduces the risk of vision loss. These antioxidants do not have any known benefit for retinitis pigmentosa, but these nutrients will nourish and protect the tissues from other conditions.
Food Choices
Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, kale, mango and apricots. You can also use animal food sources for vitamin A such as liver, eggs and dairy products. Vitamin C-rich foods include strawberries, spinach and citrus fruits, and you can find vitamin E in nuts and seeds like sunflower seeds, almonds and peanut butter. Oysters provide a good source for zinc, but you can also eat beef, salmon, eggs and milk.
Considerations
Eating a variety of lean-proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables will help keep you healthy. Diet alone cannot treat retinitis pigmentosa. You should follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment, and use a healthful diet to ensure that you provide your body and eyes with the necessary nutrients for optimum health. Your doctor may recommend specific dietary intakes of certain nutrients, and this will depend on your general health and medications you take.
References
- MedlinePlus; Retinitis Pigmentosa; May 2010
- National Institutes of Health; Information for Doctors Who Follow Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa; June 1993
- Office of Dietary Supplements; National Institutes of Health; Vitamin A and Carotenoids; April 2006
- National Eye Institute; The AREDS Formulation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration; October 2003
- American Optometric Association: Diet & Nutrition
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