Does Magnesium Help Eyesight?

Does Magnesium Help Eyesight?
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Vision changes can occur for a number of reasons. Most people who require prescription eyewear require an adjustment to the lens every two to three years, and this stems from the natural changes of the eye. Conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma also might affect your vision. Nutrients such as magnesium will not typically affect vision, but magnesium supplements could help prevent a deficiency, helping to avoid muscle changes that could affect your eyesight.

The Basics

Magnesium is an important nutrient for your body, helping to regulate your heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar, while also helping to maintain a healthy immune system. Your muscles also require magnesium to function normally. Magnesium does not have a particular role in the function of your eyes, but if you have a deficiency in magnesium, this could lead to muscle weakness and uncontrolled movements that could involve the muscles that control your eye movement.

Eye Movement

Uncontrolled eye movement, also known as nystagmus, could cause abnormal vision. Some people experience double vision or blurry vision as a result. The eye movements might occur in only one eye, or you might have the movement in both eyes. These movements might occur regularly, or you might experience periodic eye movements. Once you work with your doctor to regulate magnesium levels in your body, your muscle movements might return to normal.

Recommended Intake

For the average adult, the recommended daily intake of magnesium ranges from 310 to 420 mg each day. This amount might vary from one person to another, depending greatly on your health. Most people can use diet to reach these intake levels through rich sources of the nutrient. Halibut contains 90 mg per 3 oz. serving, and a medium-size baked potato contains 50 mg. However, if you have risk factors for deficiency, your doctor might recommend a daily magnesium supplement to ensure you have the right amount of magnesium each day.

Considerations

If you suspect you have a magnesium deficiency, contact your doctor for blood tests to determine the levels in your blood. Your doctor can then recommend any necessary treatment and refer you to an eye specialist if necessary.

References

Article reviewed by OmahaTyppo Last updated on: May 22, 2011

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