Your eyes are one of the most important parts of your body. These are incredibly delicate and sensitive organs that require certain nutrients and vitamins to do their work with ease. Common eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and weak eyesight are often caused due to the negligence of consuming eye-healthy nutrients.
The best part is that almost all common eye conditions can be treated through a diet that consists of eye-healthy nutrition. Today we outline the top five vitamins that are proved to be the best with regards to eye health.
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is perhaps one of the most important vitamins for your eye health. It gives strength to the very first line of defense your eyes have, the cornea. The cornea is the outer layer of your eyes that protects it from harmful bacteria, debris, and dust. Furthermore, Vitamin A can help you see in dark environments. The quality of your built-in night-mode depends on the amount of Vitamin A you consume. Ignoring this Vitamin can potentially lead to eye problems such as night blindness, eye dryness, and even xerophthalmia.
Sources
- Fish
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Dairy Products
- Dry Fruits
2. Vitamin E
Unstable molecules and free radicals can cause an imbalance in your body. Your best bet is to strengthen your cells from letting this happen. Your eye cells are also prone to this imbalance, and that is when Vitamin E comes into the frame. This Vitamin has incredible antioxidant properties that help protect cells of your body, eyes included. Cataracts are caused by unchecked free radicals in your body. Vitamin E takes care of those and greatly reduces the risk of your eyes getting cataracts.
Sources
- Sunflower oil
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Pumpkins
- Spinach
3. Vitamin C
Similar to Vitamin E, Vitamin C is another powerful nutrient that holds antioxidant properties. This Vitamin also assists your body in combat with free radicals and preventing the development of cataracts. Furthermore, Vitamin C helps make collagen, a building protein that helps structure defense lines on your cornea. Weak eyesight can also be improved through a proper diet consisting of Vitamin C supplements.
Sources
- Citrus Fruits
- Strawberries
- Peppers
- Broccoli
- Potatoes
4. B Vitamins
B vitamins are known to have a direct effect on your energy, brain function, and metabolism. Vitamins B6, B9, and B12, in particular, can reduce levels of homocysteine. This protein is responsible for the growth of AMD, which is most commonly known as macular degeneration. However, further researches are yet to conclude the accuracy of this function of B vitamins.
Sources
- Milk
- Eggs
- Meat
- Fish
- Oysters
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help in protecting the main body of the eye, particularly the retina. These nutrients are unsaturated fat that has high anti-inflammatory characteristics. They can prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy. Moreover, these healthy fatty acids also revitalize your eyes, get rid of dryness, and provide moisture. To include these fatty acids in your diet, consider adding the following foods.
Sources
- Nuts
- Fish
- Olive oil
- Salmon
- Flaxseeds
Adding these vitamins to your diet can bring plenty of positive effects on your eye health. Make sure to minimize screen time, too, and your eyes will be as healthy as ever!