The front of your eye has a dome of clear tissue called the cornea. In a typical eye, the cornea has a rounded curvature, but in some people the cornea may gradually form into a pointed or cone shape. This condition, called keratoconus, causes blurry vision, and if you have it, you may need to wear special contact lenses to account for the cornea’s shape. Nutrition will not reverse keratoconus, but, in certain cases, nutrients may help slow or prevent damage leading to the condition.
Causes
Doctors do not know what exactly causes keratoconus, but a few theories may offer some insight into the condition. One theory posits that rubbing your eyes could contribute to the altered shape of your cornea, and another states that allergies such as hay fever could indicate a risk factor. A genetic component may also have a role in keratoconus since the condition often runs in families. Oxidative stress occurs when an abnormal oxygen molecule damages a healthy cell. This could play a role in the breakdown of corneal tissue, leading to keratoconus.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants found in food and nutritional supplements may help prevent oxidative stress, and, if this process affects the cornea, a diet rich in antioxidants may help reduce the incidence of keratoconus. Antioxidant nutrients include vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E, along with nutrients such as lutein and selenium. Nutrition does not provide a guarantee that you will not have keratoconus, nor will nutrients reverse or treat the condition. However, if you have a family history of the condition or early signs, your doctor may recommend dietary changes or supplements to help slow down or prevent corneal changes.
Sources
Many foods contain antioxidant nutrients. For vitamin A, eat foods such as carrots, spinach and milk. Vitamin C-rich foods include strawberries, oranges and spinach. Nuts and seeds provide a good source of vitamin E, and these include peanuts, hazelnuts and sunflower seeds. Eat dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale for lutein. Foods with selenium include Brazil nuts, eggs, rice and walnuts.
Your doctor will help you determine dietary changes you should make and whether you need a supplement for prevention. Certain multivitamins may contain a significant amount of these antioxidant nutrients, and your doctor will evaluate your overall health and risk factors for keratoconus and other conditions to determine your nutrient needs.
Considerations
If you experience changes in your vision you think may stem from keratoconus, inform your eye doctor. She can detect corneal changes by examining your eyes and determine any necessary treatment. Vision changes could indicate other conditions as well, and, in some cases, prompt evaluation and treatment may prevent permanent vision loss.
References
- National Keratoconus Foundation: What Causes Keratoconus?
- PubMed Health: Keratoconus
- MedlinePlus: Antioxidants
- Rice University: Antioxidants and Free Radicals
- American Optometric Association: Diet & Nutrition
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin A and Carotenoids
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Selenium
