Macular degeneration is an eye health condition that causes blurred vision and may lead to blindness. In this article, we’ll be sharing suggested macular degeneration vitamins and other recommendations to aid this problem.
Macular Degeneration Vitamins and Supplements to Help with Your Eye Condition
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an eye health condition that comes with old age. It usually starts with a blurred central vision then expands to the whole picture if left untreated. It comes in two types:
- Dry Macular Degeneration – This happens when the macula becomes too thin therefore protein starts to cluster in your eyes. This results in vision loss.
- Wet Macular Degeneration – This occurs when blood vessels develop under the retina. This unusual growth may possibly leak blood or fluid hence damaging the retina.
Macular degeneration common symptoms include seeing straight lines as distorted or wavy, low tolerance of light, blurred central vision, and impaired color perception.
What to Look for in Vitamins
Vitamins for the eyes make sure the macula, lens, and other eye tissues are protected and nourished. Here are some nutrition you should look for:
- Lutein – It is a natural source of carotenoids. Most people refer to it as the “eye vitamin.” It is known to fight free radicals caused by exposure to the sun. Its anti-oxidant properties support the retina by nourishing healthy cells and getting rid of infectious ones.
- Zeaxanthin – As a supplement, zeaxanthin is often paired with lutein. It is also a natural source of carotenoids. Some patients suffering from glare or light sensitivity take this.
- Vitamin C – It is otherwise known as ascorbic acid and considered as an essential supplement to our daily diet. Aside from the eyes, it gives an overall boost to our immune system. It aids the body to absorb more nutrients and minerals making other vitamins more efficient.
- Vitamin E – It is known to balance cholesterol, reduce free radical damage, and improve vision. It is often consumed together with vitamin C and zinc for better absorption. It encourages cell regeneration to maintain healthy eye cells.
- Vitamin A – It is otherwise known as beta-carotene and decelerates advancement of eye nerve damage caused by diabetes. It also serves as an added shield for the surface of the eyes called cornea.
- Zinc – It supports the retina by giving it added protection. This vitamin is often found in nuts and fish meat.
Go Natural: Vitamins for the Eyes
You are what you eat. Our daily diet is essential in maintaining healthy eyes. We should be mindful of our consumption to help reverse macular degeneration naturally. Here are natural sources of vitamins for the eyes:
Dark and Leafy Greens – As mentioned, lutein and zeaxanthin are two vitamins that benefit the eyes. They both filter blue light that may hurt the retina. Here are some recommended greens:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Spirulina
- Romaine Lettuce
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – Good natural sources of vitamin C promote good blood flow that keeps the vessels healthy to avoid cataracts and macular degeneration. Here is a list of recommended fruits and vegetables:
- Orange
- Raspberry
- Lemon
- Tomatoes
Organic Nuts – Get your daily dose of vitamin E through nuts. It keeps free radicals at bay to maintain healthy eye tissues. Here is a list of recommended organic nuts:
- Pistachios
- Almonds
- Cashews
Fish and Unprocessed Meats – Fatty acids and zinc are essential nutrients that help the eyes produce melanin to keep the retina and eye’s pigment healthy. Here is a list of recommended fish and meats:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Mackerel
- Anchovies
- Red Meat
What Not to Eat or Do with Macular Degeneration
Prevention is always better than cure. Now that we know the eye vitamins to take, here’s an added segment about the food and habits to refrain from:
Refine Carbohydrates – There are good and bad carbohydrates. Food with high glycemic index are considered harmful because these increase the chance of getting eye problem. These quick-release food are easily broken down into glucose that can easily spike the body’s sugar levels. If this continues on as a habit, it will eventually lead to diabetes. Diabetic people are the ones who often develop eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Smoking – In general, smoking is bad for the health. Smokers put their body at risk by inhaling formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals. With continued use, it stacks up cadmium within the eye lens.
Long Exposure to Gadgets – In the digital world we live in, the eyes are frequently exposed to digital screens. These devices are direct sources of blue light. This causes eye strain and may develop eye diseases. Aside from wearing protective eye wears, consumption time of such technology should be monitored. There are also several relaxation exercises for the eyes to give relief.
In an episode on Fox News, Jennifer Trainer shares delicious recipes that help prevent macular degeneration from getting worse:
Vitamins are essential to keeping our eyes healthy. Should you consider other medical supplements, it is always best to consult with an ophthalmologist to be sure. Aside from consuming natural eye vitamins through food, there are also other techniques to reverse macular degeneration naturally.
Do you have other vitamins to recommend for macular degeneration problem? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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