Eye Health: The Best Vitamins for Your Eyes

Did you know that your eyes need certain vitamins in order to function optimally? Deficiencies in certain vitamins can put you at risk for various eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, and more.

Taking sufficient quantities of the vitamins required for healthy eyes and vision is an excellent investment and, whether you get the vitamins in your food or in the form of supplements, they are well worth it.

Let’s take a look at the best vitamins for your eyes:

Beta Carotene and Vitamin A.

Both beta carotene and vitamin A are needed in order for your eyes to see in poor light conditions.

Vitamin A is vital to the cornea and helps your eyes remain lubricated.

Beta carotene is the best source of vitamin A in your diet as the body converts it into usable vitamin A.

Low levels of beta carotene and vitamin A could result in night blindness.

B vitamins.

The B vitamins (specifically B6, B9 and B12) help to decrease the risk of AMD, which is a degenerative eye condition that can cause your vision to deteriorate. In addition, they also help to reduce the risk of developing cataracts, which can be quite common in the elderly population.

Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant that, as the name suggests, helps to prevent oxidative damage to the eyes. Oxidative damage to the eyes can result in cataracts, which could require surgery or result in vision problems.

Vitamin E.

When vitamin E is consumed in the form of alpha tocopherol, it can deliver powerful antioxidant properties to the eyes. These antioxidants combat free radicals which can damage the sensitive eye tissue and also cause cataracts.

Lutein and zeaxanthin.

Both lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that can be found in green leafy vegetables. When taken in sufficient quantities, lutein and zeaxanthin can go a long way in decreasing oxidative damage in the eyes and, more specifically, the retina.