Eyes

Anyone can benefit from taking vitamin supplements for eye health, especially people who are at risk for developing eye problems, such as:

• People with age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Supplements can help slow the progression of AMD.
• People with cataracts: Certain vitamins may help to delay the onset and progression of cataracts.
• People with glaucoma: Nutritional support can assist in managing intraocular pressure and overall eye health.
• People with diabetic retinopathy: Vitamins are essential in managing oxidative stress and inflammation associated with diabetic eye conditions.
• People who spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun: UV light can damage the eyes, and vitamins can help protect against this damage.
• Individuals with a poor diet or nutritional deficiencies: Supplements can help fill nutritional gaps that are essential for maintaining eye health.

There are a number of different vitamin supplements available for eye health. Some of the most popular include:

• Multivitamins that contain vitamins A, C, E, and zinc: These antioxidants play a critical role in maintaining the health of the retina and may help reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases.
• Supplements that contain lutein and zeaxanthin: These carotenoids are found in the eye and help protect against damage from blue light and oxidative stress.
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements: Omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA, are important for retinal health and may help prevent AMD and dry eye syndrome.
• Other beneficial nutrients: Bioflavonoids, found in fruits and vegetables, can enhance the benefits of vitamin C. Selenium, when paired with carotenoids and vitamins, can provide additional support.

The following are the recommended daily intakes (RDIs) for the vitamins that are most important for eye health:

• Vitamin A: 900 micrograms for men and 700 micrograms for women; crucial for night vision and overall eye health.
• Vitamin C: 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women; important for the health of blood vessels in the eyes.
• Vitamin E: 15 milligrams for both men and women; protects cells of the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
• Zinc: 11 milligrams for men and 8 milligrams for women; plays a vital role in bringing vitamin A from the liver to the retina.
• Lutein & Zeaxanthin: 6 milligrams of lutein and 2 milligrams of zeaxanthin; these carotenoids accumulate in the retina and protect against light-induced damage.
• Dosing for Omega-3s: Varies, but generally 250–500 milligrams of combined EPA and DHA is recommended.

If you are unsure how much of each vitamin you should take or if you have any underlying health conditions, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements.