Six Essential Vitamins For The Eyes

It is true that we need to take in vitamins everyday. Some of these vitamins are not stored in the body and are excreted; therefore, we have to replenish it by taking in supplements. Not only do we keep our body healthy when we take vitamin supplements, we are also doing our eyes a favor.

It is indeed hard to go through our daily tasks with poor eyesight and though glasses can help solve that problem, it is still better to have a 20/20 vision. Here are some vitamins that will help keep your eyes in tiptop shape.

1. Vitamin C. This vitamin does not only boost our immune system and protects our body from infection, it also helps our eyes. Vitamin C is considered as an anti-oxidant which helps prevent the formation of cataracts, a condition characterized by opacity in the lenses thus reducing visual clarity. It also delays macular degeneration and is said to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. It is important for us to take in a daily dose of it because it is not stored by the body.

2. Zinc. Other than playing a role in the conversion of beta carotene to vitamin A, zinc also helps protect the tissue from the damaging effects of light and other forms of inflammation.

3. B Complex Vitamins. We have always known that B complex vitamins are good for the nerves. As we all know, the optic nerve is found in the eyes. This nerve serves as a bridge between the retinal receptor cells and the brain. It is important to keep the optic nerve healthy because without it the message from the retinal receptor cells won't be able to reach the brain.

4. ALA or Alpha Lipoic Acid. This is another nutrient essential for maintaining the health of the optic nerve along with the other nerves in the body. The ALA works as a nerve stabilizer. People with diabetes and glaucoma are advised to take a daily dose of ALA in order to help protect their remaining optic nerve fibers.

5. Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These are two anti-oxidants essential in protecting the eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin works like a sunscreen; it protects the central retina from the damaging blue rays of the sun. It has also been noted that these two increase the pigmentation density of the mucula which then reduces the risk of macular degenaration. The more the pigmentation, the better the retina is protected. The effects of these two anti-oxidants are profound in those people with age-related macular degeneration probably the reason why they are encouraged to take a daily dose of lutein and zeaxanthin.

6. Vitamin A. We have already discussed about the conversion of beta carotene to vitamin A. In addition to that, there are also a lot of vitamin A supplements available in the market. This vitamin helps maintain the surface linings of the eyes which then prevent bacteria from entering and causing infection. It also helps improve the eyes' capacity to adjust in the dark and it greatly reduces the risk for cataracts.