Last month, the folks here at Freedom Home Care dedicated a few blogs to macular degeneration, a vision condition that affects more than 15 million Americans. We explained what the condition entails and methods to slow its progress and we offered a video that helps sufferers measure the degree of severity that they’re experiencing.
To continue on the theme of healthy vision, we tracked down 10 effective nutritional supplements that have the potential to improve eyesight. The following list comes from the editors at NewsMax.com:
- 1. Vitamin A: Vitamin A is required in large doses to ensure proper functioning of the retina, especially at night. Deficiency of vitamin A may cause ocular disorders like Xeropthalmia or night blindness. Vitamin A also plays a vital role in preventing dryness in the eyes.
- 2. Lutein: A highly essential supplement for eye health, lutein forms a protective shield and prevents formation of cataracts as well as macular degeneration in the eyes. This eye health supplement can be found in spinach, tomatoes, squash, and carrots.
- 3. Beta Carotene: Found in foods such as sweet potato, kale, spinach, and carrots, beta carotene can be converted into vitamin A to prevent a host of diseases caused by its deficiency.
- 4. Vitamin C: This vitamin is used in the treatment and prevention of glaucoma as well as for the maintenance of collagen tissue in the eyes.
- 5. Selenium: Selenium is an eye health supplement that is a good source of natural antioxidants and can be easily consumed as a supplement. It can be found in Brazil nuts.
- 6. Chromium: A healthy level of chromium in the body helps maintain balanced intraocular pressure in the eyes. It can be easily obtained from onions and tomatoes.
- 7. Zinc: Zinc is present in extremely high concentrations in the retina and is a good antioxidant. It helps to maintain proper eye functioning.
- 8. Copper: The intake of a minimum 2 mg of copper in natural or artificial supplements can enhance the functioning of the antioxidant enzymes in the eye. Whole grain cereals, legumes, and oysters are rich in copper.
- 9. Acai Berry: This natural supplement in the diet helps balance ocular pressure.
- 10. Manganese: Wheat germ, nuts, and seeds are the richest source of manganese and can enhance the ocular functions of the eye.
