Nutrition and Vitamins
for Your Eyes
Why Do Eyes Need Vitamins?
You should know that proper nutrition is important to good
health. But did you also know there are some specific nutrients
which help keep the eyes working properly and that help prevent
the start of certain vision problems and disorders? It is
definitely true and just eat nutritionally-balanced meals
and you will be able to gain the benefits.
As for the vitamins, the ones that benefit your eyes include
vitamin A, vitamin C and Vitamin E. Most of the benefit to
the eyes has to do with the fact that these vitamins are antioxidants.
Our body needs antioxidants to make sure that its cells are
able to regenerate correctly. Sometimes the regeneration process
is damaged by the actions of free radicals. Antioxidants will
help neutralize free radicals which diminish their ability
to cause cell damage.
Age is also one of the factors of eye's diminished capacity,
but free radicals do much harm to the eyes as well. They can
cause damage to the retina, which is located at the back of
the eye. They can also interfere with the lens, especially
free radicals can prevent the lens' ability to deliver light
to the retina. When the light cannot focus properly, the retina
will not be able to produce a clear image to send to the brain.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin are two antioxidants which are currently
being studied for their potential to protect the eyes. Now,
let’s look at the other eye-friendly vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin A
A deficiency of vitamin A is identified to be a major cause
of blindness. It makes sense then that the easiest way to
prevent blindness as well as cataracts is by getting the recommended
daily allowance of this vitamin. Getting enough vitamin A
also can make sure that your eyes can focus in nighttime light.
When deficiencies are persistent, a condition called xerophthalmia
may develop with its characteristic dry membranes and thickening
of the mucous membranes that line the eyelids. This condition
might cause permanent blindness as can macular degeneration,
another disorder that has been linked to a deficiency of vitamin
A.
Vitamin C
Very high concentrations of Vitamin C are kept in healthy
eyes. It's believed that vitamin C will protect the eye from
damaging ultraviolet rays. Vitamin C's antioxidant qualities
protect the eyes from cell damage, including macular degeneration,
by neutralizing free radicals. Vitamin C is also believed
capable of preventing glaucoma and alleviating its symptoms
in cases where it has already developed.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays a role in keeping the mucous membranes of
the eyelids lubricated. And it too is considered an antioxidant
so getting adequate quantities of this vitamin can prevent
eye disorders and diseases such as macular degeneration and
night blindness.
Zinc
Our body needs the mineral zinc to improve the absorption
of Vitamin A. As you read above, this vitamin benefits the
eye in many ways so anything that helps the body absorb Vitamin
A also helps keep eyes healthy and vision clear.
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