These days, more and more eye supplements are being introduced on the market. Eye supplements are nutritional products that contain a variety of vitamins to help maintain your visual health. Most of them are backed by studies that show these supplements to be beneficial for keeping your vision sharp.
Eye supplements are formulated to add, not replace, nutrients you receive from a healthy and well-balanced diet. This means they cannot be used to treat vision problems caused by serious nutritional deficiencies.
Today, your eye doctor talks about some of the most common eye supplements.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that contains potent antioxidative properties that help prevent cell damage in your eyes. It is a main component of eye supplements recommended for patients with age-related macular degeneration. While your eyes do contain zinc, you may need supplements for added eye protection. Since zinc causes lower copper absorption, make sure to take copper supplements, too.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids. They are pigments that are often found in your retina and in plants. They are helpful in absorbing harmful high-energy light, such as ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost your immune system, lowering your risk of developing eye infections. Research also links vitamin C to a reduced risk of having certain types of cataracts.
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
Experts believe that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a form of omega-3 fatty acid, plays an important role in the development of the photoreceptor cells in your retina. It also helps reduce inflammation, which means it helps repair and heal parts of your eyes, particularly damage related to harmful UV light exposure. This is why your eye doctor encourages eating fish, which is a good source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, to maintain DHA levels in your eyes.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Also known as an “anti-stress” vitamin, thiamine is believed to lower your risk of having cataracts. It also helps manage inflammatory eye diseases like uveitis.
To learn more about eye supplements, you can reach us at (847) 550-3524 for Lake Zurich or (847) 979-4601 for Libertyville. We serve Gurnee, Vernon Hills and nearby communities.