The eye is an organ susceptible to disease as much as any other structure in the body. You may wonder if taking vitamins can help prevent or help eye conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Studies on the effects of vitamins, particularly antioxidant vitamins, on eye conditions show promising results, but require more research.
About Eye Health
Two age-related eye conditions are the focus of much research in relation to the benefits of eye vitamins. Age-related cataracts occur when the lens structure of the eye becomes opaque and cloudy. This process typically begins during your 50s and 60s. According to MedlinePlus, more than 50 percent of individuals over 80 have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, affects the part of the eye's retina tissue responsible for sharp, central vision. The disease typically occurs after the age of 60. If you're female, Caucasian, older than 75, overweight or obese, a smoker or have a positive family history, you are more at risk for AMD.
Cataracts
Free radicals are chemicals generated by the body in response to many normal processes, such as metabolism and exposure to UV light. The chemicals can damage cells and DNA. Cataract formation may involve free radical damage; antioxidants such as vitamin C may help reduce the risk for cataract. The American Optometric Association notes studies showing that vitamin C intake -- at least 300 mg per day -- may decrease the risk for cataract formation. More research is needed, however.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study, or AREDS, found positive effects of vitamins on age-related macular degeneration. In individuals at high-risk for AMD, antioxidant vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and zinc helped reduce the risk. Another antioxidant, lutein, a carotenoid found naturally in green, leafy vegetables and often found in eye vitamins, may also play a role in AMD progression. A 2004 study in the journal "Optometry" found lutein helped improve vision in AMD patients, but recommended further study.
Antioxidant Vitamins and Safety
Antioxidant vitamins are a primary focus in studies involving vitamins and eye health. The Harvard School of Public Health notes that antioxidant supplements shouldn't be taken without caution. They note studies on antioxidants that revealed possible health hazards, such as an increased risk for lung and skin cancer. Alternatively, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are natural and abundant sources of antioxidants and contribute to overall good health.
References
- The Harvard School of Public Health: Antioxidants: Beyond the Hype
- "Archives of Ophthalmology"; A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Clinical Trial of High-dose Supplementation with Vitamins C and E, Beta Carotene, and Zinc for Age-related Macular Degeneration and Vision Loss: AREDS Report No. 8; AREDS Study Research Group; October 2001
- "Optometry"; Double-masked, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Trial of Lutein and Antioxidant Supplementation in the Intervention of Atrophic Age-related Macular Degeneration: the Veterans Last Study (Lutein Antioxidant Supplementation Trial); S. Richer; April 2004
- MedlinePlus: Cataract
- National Eye Institute; Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration; August 2010
- American Optometric Association: Vitamin C
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