What are the best supplements for eye health?
Our Visionworks team is on a mission to simplify eye health, so we compiled a list of the top 5 supplements for healthy eyes.
Many steps go into maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision, including scheduling routine eye exams and investing in high-quality contacts or eyeglasses. However, one of the most basic steps to keeping our eyes healthy is to consume the right nutrients. Getting the proper type and amount of nutrients, whether through food or supplements, is essential to promoting healthy eyes and clear vision. At Visionworks, we’re on a mission to simplify eye health. So, our team compiled a list of the 5 best supplements for eye health to help you make the right choices for your eyes.
Why are supplements so important for healthy eyes?
Our bodies are complex systems that rely on nutrients to stay healthy. The eyes are no exception! The American Optometric Association explains that adding vitamins, antioxidants and minerals such as vitamin C, zinc and lutein into our diets can improve vision clarity and overall eye health. Essential eye nutrients can also reduce the risk of developing serious eye diseases like macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. While these nutrients are only part of the eye health equation, they can make a world of difference in protecting our eyes.
How can I incorporate essential eye nutrients into my diet and routine?
It is not enough to know that you need to include essential eye nutrients into your diet and routine. You have to act on it! One of the best ways to incorporate healthy eye vitamins into your diet is to choose the best foods for eye health at the grocery store. Grocery items like carrots, citrus fruits, leafy greens and nuts are packed with all the nutrients our eyes (and bodies) need and love. To make eating healthy more fun, try a new eye-healthy recipe. You may be surprised by how tasty healthy eating can be. Of course, sometimes we need an extra boost when diet is not enough. Eye health supplements are a great addition to some individuals' daily routines when they can’t get all their necessary nutrients through diet alone. Make an appointment with your eye doctor and discuss whether eye health supplements are right for you.
What should I look for when buying vitamins and supplements for eye health?
With so many eye health vitamins and supplements on the market, it can be challenging to pick the right ones for your needs. However, there are a few things to look for when buying vitamins and other supplements for eye health. First, talk to an eye doctor before starting any supplements. Your doctor can guide you to the best options for your unique needs. Then, research different manufacturers. Consider buying organic, natural supplements and avoid products with fillers like wheat, corn and dairy. Finally, always check the expiration date and be sure that the package is properly sealed to ensure safety and quality. And—remember that vision supplements aren’t a one-and-done solution for eye health. They are just a part of the larger equation for maintaining healthy eyes and vision.
The 5 Best Supplements for Eye Health and Vision
Vitamin C
Our bodies need vitamin C to make collagen, a protein that helps build the structure of our eyes in the cornea and sclera. Therefore, incorporating vitamin C into our diets can help lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts when combined with other essential nutrients and other healthy practices like using sunglasses, staying hydrated, and more.
Natural Sources of Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be found in foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, kale and broccoli.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that works with our bodies to protect cells from being damaged by free radicals—unstable atoms that can damage cells. Healthy cells mean healthy eyes! Protecting our eye cells with a diet rich in vitamin E helps reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Natural Sources of Vitamin E
Vitamin E can be found in foods like salmon, avocado, leafy greens, nuts and seeds.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral that brings vitamin A from the liver to the retina to produce melanin. Melanin is a protective pigment in the eyes that determines our iris color and helps protect eyes from the sun. Zinc nourishes the retina, protects eye pigments and reduces the risk of macular degeneration, cataracts and impaired night vision.
Natural Sources of Zinc
Zinc can be found in foods like eggs, beans, lean proteins, seafood and nuts.
Carotenoids: Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that work to protect the retina. These fat-soluble pigments absorb high-energy ultraviolet light, guarding the retina against sun damage. As a result, lutein and zeaxanthin help reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Just 6mg of these essential eye nutrients can yield powerful results. That small amount can be achieved with a balanced diet of fruit and vegetables!
Natural Sources of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin can be found in foods like leafy greens, broccoli, corn, peas and citrus fruits.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential eye nutrients that aid visual development, retinal function and general eye health. These fatty acids can reduce inflammation, increase tear production and replenish the eye’s oily outer layer—making them not only necessary for general eye health, but great relievers of dry eye.
Natural Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods like salmon, tuna, nuts, flaxseed and olive oil.
Visionworks is with You every Step of the Way on Your Eye Health Journey
At Visionworks, we’re on a mission to simplify eye health. That means we will be there with every step of the way on your eye health journey, from scheduling your annual eye health exam to finding the right frames for your face shape and everything in between. We hope you take this eye health knowledge and feel empowered to incorporate essential eye supplements into your diet and routine. Let’s keep our eyes healthy together!
Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
