As per the research study, globally, an estimated 253 million people live with vision impairment, out of which 36 million are blind, and 217 million have moderate to severe vision impairment. Most of the visually impaired people are aged 50 years and above. The burden of visual impairment in India is estimated at 62 million; of these, 54 million persons have low vision, and 8 million are blind. (Pascolini et. al, 2012)
Your eyes are the most important organ of your body. Proper health is directly proportional to the proper diet. Your eyes depend on the food you eat, nutrients you consume, and thus this way you may also help reduce your risk for developing any eye disease. Growing research has shown that increasing the intake of certain nutrients in your daily diet will help protect your vision.
Among all, the elders are suffering from eye aging the most, the prevalence of visual impairment among elderly persons in India ranges from 22% to 35%. (Vijay et. al, 2008; Neena et. al, 2008)kg
Deficiency of certain nutrients can lead to problems like:
- Night Blindness
- Cataracts
- Age-related macular degeneration, which can limit your eyesight
- Glaucoma
- Dry eyes
Most Important Nutrients for Eyes include:
There is no doubt that your body needs all the nutrients in a balanced way, many times these nutrients work together for the improvement of your entire body or many times they are dependent on each other for their specific function. So, try consuming all nutrients every day and meet your recommended daily intake.
Today, in this article, I will cover six major nutrients that work very hard to keep your eyes working day and night.
- Lutein & Zeaxanthin: Lutein is an antioxidant in the carotenoid family. Lutein provides natural support for healthy skin and helps support skin hydration. It also supports eye health. Lutein, best known for its association with healthy eyes, is a phytonutrient found in certain plants and flowers. This important carotenoid is present in the macula, or central areas of the retina, and provides dietary support for eye health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA plays an important role in proper vision. They protect the retina from oxidative stress, inflammation and DHA is a key fatty acid found in the retina and is present in large amounts in this tissue. DHA if taken in proper quantity can also work against age-related macular degeneration by protecting the blood vessels of the eye. GNC DHA provides 250 mg of DHA, which if taken on a regular basis will help protect your eye.
- Vitamin A: Vitamins play large roles in even the smallest areas of the body. Vitamin A, for example, is a major player in eye health. Active forms of vitamin A called retinoids are essential to support the vision. Vitamin A in the eye takes part in an important reaction that helps adjust vision to see in the dark. Deficiency of vitamin A interferes with this process and may result in night blindness. Common food sources include green leafy vegetables, carrots, liver, etc.
- Selenium & Vitamin E: Selenium is a cofactor in the function of glutathione peroxidase, which is found in the lens, retinal pigment and photoreceptor cells of the eye. It is a vital lens antioxidant. Selenium and vitamin E are important for cellular health and growth in the body. Selenium helps build antioxidant enzymes in the body and supports the antioxidant activity of vitamin E, which protects against the free radicals. This protects our vision.
- Zinc: Zinc is a trace mineral, which plays an important role in the functioning of the many different enzymes and thus needed for the optimal metabolism of the eye. Zinc is important in maintaining the health of the retina, given that zinc is an essential constituent of many enzymes and needed for optimal metabolism of the eye.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is probably the most well-known vitamin. It is considered the “cellular cement” of the body. Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Eye usually has a high metabolic rate and vitamin C being an antioxidant; it protects the eye from free radical damage.
Your eyes are Your Window to the World – Don’t they deserve this much LOVE?
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