10 top nutrients for healthy vision

   Like our bodies, our eyes also require a certain amount of multivitamins to fight the effects of age-related degenerative diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.

1. Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is a type of vitamin A which helps with the functioning of the retina and other sections of the eye. When taken in combination with vitamins E and C and zinc, beta-carotene can help reduce the progression of macular degeneration (AMD).

2. Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are a type of phyto-nutrient that protect your eyes from damage and are known for assisting with the circulation of blood to and within the retina.

3. Lutein and Zeaxanthin

These two carotenoids are potent antioxidants that help protect and maintain the cells in your eyes by filtering harmful high-energy light wavelengths. The presence of lutein and zeaxanthin in your eyes enhances your vision while reducing the risk of chronic eye diseases, cataracts and macular degeneration.

4. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

These are the building blocks for fats and are one of the fuel sources for energy in the cell. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are the two types of EFAs needed by the body, in an appropriate ratio, to maintain good vision and general health. The presence if these EFAs also ensure that the intraocular fluid is drained from your eye, thereby decreasing glaucoma risk and the risk of high eye pressure

5. Selenium

Regular intakes of selenium combined with zinc could help with protecting against glaucoma, which can ultimately result in damage to the optic nerve and blindness. Selenium can help in neutralizing free radicals that damage the eyes. And, if you supplement your selenium intake with vitamins C & E, it can also reduce the risk of advanced AMD in adults.

6. Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps in protecting the cornea (the eye surface), and is an essential nutrient for healthy vision. Research shows vitamin A to be an effective in dry eye treatment and also for treating a kind of eye inflammation known as superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis. When taken in combination with other vitamins, it is known to protect against night blindness, loss of peripheral vision and age related degeneration of your eyes.

7. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known to help and maintain your overall health by not only protecting your bones, skin and blood vessels, but also the delicate capillaries present in your retina. According to research, regular consumption of Vitamin C is known to reduce risk of degenerative eye diseases, such as cataracts and AMD.

8. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that benefits our eyes. It also provides anti-inflammatory benefits with aid in the prevention of AMD as well. It also helps prevent the problem of dry eyes by inducing production of an anti-microbial protein called cathelicidin in the eye which is known to heal eye wounds.

9. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a group of vitamins which help neutralize oxidation. For that reason, it’s believed to play an important role in the protection of the parts of the eye that are especially susceptible to oxidative damage. It also protects the eye from free radicals damage, thus lowering the risk of both, cataracts and AMD.

10. Zinc

Zinc is found in high levels in your macula, which plays a large part in the overall eye health. It also has the ability to prevent oxidative damage. When taken with vitamin A, it creates a pigment called melanin, which protects your eye. Vitamin E helps you see better at night as well and reduces tendency of contracting night blindness. Regular zinc intake is also known also lower the odds of contracting age-related vision problems like AMD.