Most of you have probably heard that eating carrots is good for your eyesight. Well, yes, this is correct– vitamin A, something carrots have in abundance, is a very useful vitamin for eyecare. However, it is not the only vitamin supplement thathas been proven tohelp maintain eye health. There are afew other vitamins that play an important role in eyecare – here are some of the most important ones.
As mentioned above, Vitamin A is very important for eye health,helping you maintain good vision, particularly during the nighttimeand in conditions oflow-light. Nyctalopia, or night blindness, was attested in ancient Egypt,and this condition is caused by the lack of intake of Vitamin A. One treatment of this condition was the consumption of liver, which would help alleviate these symptoms; liver is an excellent source of Vitamin A. Other good sources of Vitamin A are dark leafy vegetables and coloured yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, oranges, mangoes, and apricots. However, it should be kept in mind that with Vitamin A, moderation is key – much like with everything else, actually. Excessive amounts of Vitamin A can be toxic, and it is always good to consult your doctor if you are concerned about any aspect of your health or about your vitamin intake.
This group of vitamins has a very positive effect on eyesight, and they are particularly useful in cases of slight eye sensitivity. Sources of Vitamin B are plentiful and include meat products, cereals, potatoes, eggs, milk, and dairy.
Vitamins C and E
It is believed that people who take Vitamin C have lower risks of developing cataracts. Cigarette smoke and UV radiation can also cause blurring of the lens or formation of cataracts, and while wearing glasses certainly helps, Vitamin C plays an important role in protecting eyes from these adverse effects. In addition, Vitamin C is also important due to its role as activator of Vitamin E, which in turn activates glutathione – important for good vision. The main sources of Vitamin C are fresh as well as slightly boiled or steamed fruits and vegetables, depending on your preferred diet.
Scientists believe that a diet rich in antioxidants – substances that protect cells from oxidative free radical damage – offers protection from macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness associated with aging. Antioxidants interfere with the processes in the retina that cause macular degeneration and they also help to repair damage to the retina. Antioxidants from multivitamin tablets or fresh fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, and artichokes have been proven to be highly beneficial for general eye health.
So, whether you prefer to take vitamin supplements or improve your diet, there are ways in which you try to maintain your eye health by what you consume. If, however, you are ever in doubt as to what to do and how best to treat your eyes, it is always wise to consult with a doctor first.