Ocular Nutrition
Many conditions of the eye that are considered a normal part of aging can be helped by a healthy diet and by supplementation of nutrients. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) was a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute to determine if supplements could be of benefit to help and stabilize various ocular conditions. The first study was in the 90's called AREDS 1 study to determine if certain vitamins and minerals would help stabilize ocular conditions. The second study started in the early 2000's and concluded in 2012. The second study has added additional elements such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega 3. These landmark studies provided strong evidence that nutrients in the form of supplements could delay the progression of various ocular conditions.
Lutein is a major pigment that is deposited in the macula of the eye. It protects the macula by absorbing damaging UV radiation and also serving as an antioxidant. Zeaxanthin is also an antioxidant and a photo-protectant. Because it is found in low levels in the normal diet it almost always needs supplements. Higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula also improve contrast sensitivity the ability to see objects more clearly in dim light and faded, low contrast situations.
The retina of the eye has the highest concentration of omega 3 oils in the entire body and therefore a deficit of these oils effects the function of the retina. Fish oils in the form of omega supplements are also beneficial for dry eyes. The reason omega 3 oils are beneficial to your health and to your eyes is because they are anti-inflammatory. Most of the diseases of modern civilization are inflammatory in nature and therefore many medications are anti-inflammatory. Omega 3 oils suppress the inflammatory signaling molecules in your body that turn on the "inflammatory cascade".
Other vitamins include vitamin C which is a major antioxidant in which all cells of the body depend upon it and it is concentrated in the tissues of the eye. Vitamin E is an antioxidant especially effective for fatty tissues such as the retina of the eye. It is the only antioxidant that can protect the cell membrane. It strengthens the blood vessels , is and is anti-inflammatory agent. Vitamin B has a connection between macular degeneration and blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid which can cause dysfunction of the blood vessel lining. Vitamin D suppresses the growth of abnormal retinal blood vessels helping reduce the effect of macular degeneration and vision loss. Zinc is a mineral that helps vitamin A move from the liver to the retina and produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eye, and improve night vision.
A visit with our doctors will help narrow down your risk factors and optimal supplementation.
Lutein is a major pigment that is deposited in the macula of the eye. It protects the macula by absorbing damaging UV radiation and also serving as an antioxidant. Zeaxanthin is also an antioxidant and a photo-protectant. Because it is found in low levels in the normal diet it almost always needs supplements. Higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula also improve contrast sensitivity the ability to see objects more clearly in dim light and faded, low contrast situations.
The retina of the eye has the highest concentration of omega 3 oils in the entire body and therefore a deficit of these oils effects the function of the retina. Fish oils in the form of omega supplements are also beneficial for dry eyes. The reason omega 3 oils are beneficial to your health and to your eyes is because they are anti-inflammatory. Most of the diseases of modern civilization are inflammatory in nature and therefore many medications are anti-inflammatory. Omega 3 oils suppress the inflammatory signaling molecules in your body that turn on the "inflammatory cascade".
Other vitamins include vitamin C which is a major antioxidant in which all cells of the body depend upon it and it is concentrated in the tissues of the eye. Vitamin E is an antioxidant especially effective for fatty tissues such as the retina of the eye. It is the only antioxidant that can protect the cell membrane. It strengthens the blood vessels , is and is anti-inflammatory agent. Vitamin B has a connection between macular degeneration and blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid which can cause dysfunction of the blood vessel lining. Vitamin D suppresses the growth of abnormal retinal blood vessels helping reduce the effect of macular degeneration and vision loss. Zinc is a mineral that helps vitamin A move from the liver to the retina and produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eye, and improve night vision.
A visit with our doctors will help narrow down your risk factors and optimal supplementation.