There’s a good chance you’ve heard someone tell you, “Eat your carrots, they’re great to your eye health.” You might have seen ads of nutritional supplements for eye health. Do minerals and vitamins benefit your eye health and your vision? Continue reading to learn more about eye health and clearer eye supplement.

Many claims are made regarding the positive effects of supplements on eye health, yet little research studies back these assertions. One exception is Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2). These are huge studies carried out through the National Eye Institute. The results from AREDS 2 were based on what was gained from AREDS and enhanced the recommendations for supplements.

The research were focused on two diseases that have a significant impact on millions of Americans age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

AMD is the most common cause of blindness across the United States. It’s affecting over 10 million people. It is mostly associated with age, however some types of macular degeneration can affect younger people too.

AMD is a condition that causes the degeneration of cells that are sensitive to light in the macula region within the retina. This is the area of the eye that is responsible for:

recording what we see , and then transmitting data to the brain
seeing fine detail
Concentration

Cataracts

It is the result of a cloud that occurs in the cornea of your eyes. It could affect your ability to see clearly enough to carry out everyday tasks, and may get worse with time.

Cataracts are very common especially among the elderly. In the year 2010, 24.4 million Americans were diagnosed with cataracts.

Supplements that are recommended

The two studies looked at the effects of high doses of a variety of antioxidants over a period of years. The recommendations that came from AREDS2 included:

This supplement formula comes in the form of a capsule and is generally taken two times a day.

Results

Participants of the AREDS2 study used one of four formulas which were found to be likely to be useful within this AREDS study. Every participant took the supplement each day for five years.

For participants in the study, the chance of developing AMD and significant loss of vision decreased by 25% over a period of six years. In those suffering from AMD the condition was only slowed in those who have moderate AMD. Supplements did not work for those with moderate or advanced levels of AMD.

The supplements in the study could not stop AMD or reverse the loss of vision.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin supplements used in the AREDS2 formulation were found as reducing required cataract surgeries by 32 percent for patients who had initially very low amounts of carotenoids.

The results were encouraging and revealed certain benefits associated with specific supplements, but they will not have positive effects for all people. Further research is required to better understand the link between eye health and supplements.

These supplements, which include the antioxidants contained in AREDS2 capsules are proven to be beneficial to certain individuals.

1. Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein along with Zeaxanthin both are carotenoids. Carotenoids are pigments in the plant kingdom and also within your retina. The addition of these pigments can help boost the density of your retina. They also absorb ultraviolet and blue light, which can harm your eyes.

2. Zinc

It is also found naturally in the eyes Zinc is a potent antioxidant that guards against cell damage. Zinc is the principal mineral found in the AREDS2 formulation. If you take zinc copper, copper absorption decreases. It is suggested that zinc be taken in conjunction with copper supplements.

3. Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Vitamin B1 is vital to the eye health. There is evidence to suggest that vitamin B1 along alongside other vitamins, could lower the risk of developing cataracts. However, more research is needed.

One of them is “anti-stress” B vitamins, vitamin B1 helps reduce inflammation.

Initial research suggests it could be effective treatment for uveitis, an eye condition that causes inflammation and can cause blindness.

4. Omega-3 fat acids

The diet of the majority of Americans isn’t rich enough in omega-3 fatty acids. The principal source of which is fish. The retina’s photoreceptor cells have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is thought the fact that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a form of omega-3 fatty acids, assists in the development in retinal cells. It is also believed to play the ability to reduce inflammation as well as helping retina cells and cornea recover and heal damaged by the exposure to light and aging.

Numerous studies have shown that people who consume a higher amount of two omega-3 acid fatty acids, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are less likely suffer from AMD. A low level in omega-3 fats have been related to dry eye syndrome and retinopathy an eye disease that causes damages to the retina. Studies have also demonstrated that infants who drink formulas that contain DHA have better vision than those who are not given DHA.

5. Vitamin C

Numerous large studies have shown that vitamin C can reduce the likelihood of developing certain kinds of cataracts. The two studies discovered that a combination of vitamin C along with E supplements cut down the risk of cataracts, and also slowed the development of cataracts.

Diet is the main source of minerals and vitamins. However it is the National Eye Institute advises that the high levels of AREDS2 the AREDS2 cannot be obtained through diet by itself.

Alongside the diet and supplements There are additional things you can do at home to help improve eye health:

Make use of a humidifier inside your home if it is not arid. It is possible to use it in the summer or you might have to make use of it all year in accordance with the climate you reside in.
Drink plenty of fluids. Although weight recommendations can vary adults should drink approximately between 1.5 Liters (6 14 cups) and 2 Liters (8 1/3 cup) of fluids per day.
Make sure your eyes are moist by using artificial tears.
Replace your furnace or air conditioner filters on a regular basis.
Avoid areas that have dusty or dirty air.
Utilize cool compresses or cucumbers or dampened and chilled green and black tea bags over your eyes. Some people prefer calendula tea.

Make sure to consult your eye doctor prior to taking AREDS2. A doctor called an ophthalmologist who is an expert in the field of eye health. Your doctor can determine whether supplements are efficient, based on the state of your eyesight.

Since the high doses of AREDS2 may interact with other medications , and should not be used by those who suffer from certain issues, it’s crucial to consult with your primary doctor also.

There are numerous things you can take care of to improve your eyesight health.

Don’t smoke. Smoking can damage the blood vessels of the eyes, which can cause macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye problems.
Make sure your eyes are protected from ultraviolet light. Wear sunglasses outdoors and stay clear of looking directly into glowing lights.
Maintain a healthy weight , and an active life style.
After the age of 60, you should have an annual dilated eye examination each year.
Be sure to include in your diet lots of green leafy fruits, vegetables, corn, spinach eggs, oranges, eggs yellow carrots. These are foods that contain high levels of nutrients, which includes those within the AREDS2 formulation.