Eye problems are common especially among the aging population. Many sites suggest that vitamin supplementation may help with certain diseases related to an aging eye, although there's no cure to most of the eye problems among the aged. Assessing whether or not certain vitamins are helpful is difficult, because so many older people have additional conditions that can affect the eye, according to the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary.
Vitamins for Macular Degeneration
An AREDS (Age Related Eye Study) study conducted by the National Eye Institute, showed that certain people may reduce their risk of developing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most serious form of AMD, by taking a special vitamin formula called AREDS. Those who may benefit include people with wet AMD in one eye but not the other, and those with intermediate disease as shown by the presence of deposits of cellular debris known as drusen in both eyes which occurs in 10 percent of people with dry AMD. The AREDS formula consists of 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E , 15 mg of beta-carotene, 80 mg of zinc and 2 mg of copper, according to the University of Illinois.
No variation in the formula is allowed if the supplement is to be called an AREDS formula. Smokers should take a special AREDS formulation without beta-carotene, which appears to increase the risk of developing lung cancer in smokers.
Vitamins to Prevent Cataracts
Many studies have been done to test the efficacy of certain vitamins to fight the development of cataracts, a clouding of the lens capsule in the eye that results in decreased vision. One study reported in the American Journal of Ophthalmology looked at almost 3,000 participants and concluded that long-term use of multivitamins, vitamin A and B group vitamins and folate protected against or reduced the incidence of cataracts.
An AREDS study that tested vitamins C and E supplementation, along with beta carotene over a six-year period found no reduction of cataract formation or worsening with this formula, as reported by the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. A study conducted by Harvard and Tufts universities did find that vitamin C in large doses reduced the risk of developing some types of cataracts.
Vitamins for Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can be more than an annoyance; they can interfere with vision and are uncomfortable. Studies of supplementation with vitamin A eye drops were helpful in a study reported by the Department of Ophthalmology at The Catholic University of Korea in Seoul. Taking omega 3 fish oils, especially DHA or EPA, may also improve dry eye symptoms, according to the NEI.
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