Taking good care of our vision can be a challenge. Between extensive blue light exposure from countless daily screen interactions and natural declines caused by age and lifestyle factors, the eyes are constantly working overtime. Fortunately, nutritional supplements can help keep vision clear and in focus. 

Keeping a Clear Eye View

Favor eye foods

Eating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods is an important step in the prevention against eye-related disorders, reports Jillian Levy,

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CHHC, in Eye Vitamins and Foods: Are You Getting Enough? on DrAxe.com. “Diminishing eyesight might seem like an unavoidable annoyance as you get older, but with the right diet you can hold on to accurate vision for longer than you might think,” she shares, noting that carrots and leafy green veggies are among the best foods for eyes because they provide antioxidants and eye vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, E and A and zinc, along with carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin.

Get an assist from supplements

The second line of defense in the fight against deteriorating eye health is a good lineup of supplements. According to a study from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group (AREDS), individuals who consume several key supplements significantly lower their risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and vision loss. These are some of the essential nutrients that provide different benefits including healthy vision maintenance:

  • Vitamin C protects eyes from UV light damage, oxidative damage, and can help slow age-related macular degeneration.
  • Vitamin A helps with eye moisture, is essential for photoreceptors, and helps with retina production of pigments needed for seeing the full spectrum of light. 
  • Omega-3 fatty acids might help reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration and glaucoma. Walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseed, mackerel, salmon, and other seafood are great sources.
  • Zinc is essential for retinal health, optic nerve health, night vision, and prevention of AMD.
  • B-complex vitamins reduce the risk of cataracts, oxidative stress in the eyes, aid in the prevention of glaucoma, and lower homocysteine levels. 

Also benefiting eye health: 

  • The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which help promote normal visual health by neutralizing free radicals created by light exposure. 

  • Vitamin E, an antioxidant that may reduce risk of certain eye conditions, and is beneficial for supporting immune function, inhibiting inflammation, promoting brain health, and reducing oxidative stress. 
  • Postbiotics are also emerging in this space. For a deeper dive, read EYEMUSE: Inspire Your View, for insights from experts at Kyowa Hakko.

GettyImages-1798442060.JPG7 Essential Steps to Ward off Eye Issues

With over 50% of Americans over 80 reporting they either have cataracts or underwent surgery to eliminate them, early preventive care needs to be stressed. The CDC suggests taking the following seven measures to help with the prevention of onset eye issues later on in life:

  • Know your family history: Understanding your family's history of eye conditions is important information to keep in mind when prioritizing your own eye health, especially with some vision issues being hereditary. 
  • Get tested: Early and often thorough eye exams are vital for identifying and treating any possible issues. The CDC recommends regular comprehensive dilated eye exams.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Studies have connected obesity to age-related cataracts, glaucoma, and several other eye diseases.
  • Eat right: Prioritize foods that are rich in nutrients that cater to good eye health.
  • Use protective eye gear: Protecting your eyes from outside dangers is just as important as protecting your vision from internal issues. This includes observing workplace eye safety.
  • Don’t smoke: Smoking has been linked to several health issues including cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), uveitis, thyroid eye disease (TED), diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome. 
  • Practice contacts hygiene: Washing your hands and keeping your contacts as clean as possible is extremely important considering the lenses sit directly on your eye's surface.