Vitamins and Eye Health

Should You Use Vitamins and Supplements for Your Vision? You may hear many claims about vitamin usage and how it may improve your eye health. Just because you saw an article on the internet or a friend shared one on Facebook doesn’t mean it’s accurate. There’s a good chance it was written by someone selling vitamins or dietary supplements, which are unregulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration. Talk to us before taking any dietary supplement for your eyes if you're pregnant, nursing, using any other medications or have other health issues. If we think it might help, or at least not harm you, take the dose we recommend. Supplements are meant to supplement your overall nutrition, they aren’t a replacement for food. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. If you have or at risk for certain eye conditions, vitamins and supplements may help slow or prevent some conditions. The National Eye Institute’s Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) shows that high doses of antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, along with zinc, reduces the risk of vision loss from advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in some, but not all, of those with this condition. Those who benefited were those with,

• Intermediate AMD, or,
• Advanced AMD in just one eye.

If you’re in either situation, contact us so we can talk about supplements. There are many variables that may impact outcomes. As part of the next study omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin (found in vegetables and fruits) were added. The research showed,

• Beta-carotene failed to reduce the risk of AMD progressing.
• Adding omega-3 to the AREDS formula didn’t impact the chances risk of AMD progressing.
• The AREDS formula was protective when less zinc was used.
• When the formula included lutein and zeaxanthin study participants had more improvement.

These combinations didn’t prevent the onset of AMD, slow its progression when it was in an early stage or improve vision that was already lost. Other studies have shown not having enough antioxidants contributes to the start of chronic dry eye syndrome. Nutritional supplements with omega-3 and omega-6 are available and may help restore and maintain tear formation and eye lubrication. If you have glaucoma or fear it may develop, vitamins or supplements don’t offer much help. There are few studies on the topic. There is some evidence a diet high in vitamin B, including green leafy vegetables, may decrease the chance of some kinds of glaucoma. But it appears B complex pills don't offer similar benefits. Other studies show that antioxidants and natural compounds such as Ginkgo biloba, tropical fruits and green tea may slow progression of glaucoma, but the evidence showing a benefit is weak. If you have questions about dietary supplements and vitamins and how they may prevent eye conditions or improve your vision, contact the Lehigh Valley Center for Sight at 610-437-4988 or fill out our contact form so we can start the conversation and work together to protect your sight. Houman Ahdieh, MD Lehigh Valley Center for Sight https://www.lvcenter4sight.com eyedoc@lvcenter4sight.com

https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/vitamins-and-eye-health/