We've all heard the expression, "Do you see what I mean?” But what your reply was "no"? Eye health and proper vision is listed as one of the main concerns of adults, (especially as they get older) and with good reason considering the following eye health statistics:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States and many other countries.

• According to the American Academy of Ophthalmologists, AMD affects roughly 13 million Americans over age 40.

• The Mayo Clinic states that macular degeneration is the foremost reason of severe vision loss in adults over the age 50.

• More than two-thirds do not have knowledge of AMD.

• Greater than 3.5 million adults are in the early stages of macular degeneration

• AMD shares the free radical connection with cataracts, and together account for the greatest number of preventable eye disease concerns 

One of the primary causes of AMD is due to free radical attack on eye tissue. This is an important concern because the eye, more than any other organ, is exposed to factors that can induce free radical damage. What’s more, the way in which we see, light entering our eyes through the lens, also allows for the creation of free radicals. So, keeping free radicals at a minimum is an important consideration for adults in helping to prevent degenerative eye disorders along with the introduction of the following 5 eye-opening nutrients for vision. 

 1.       Lutein – Lutein is the primary carotenoid found in the tissue of the eye. This nutrient is naturally found in dark leafy vegetables, and to a lesser extent, colorful fruits and vegetables such as oranges, broccoli, peas, corn, peppers and tangerines. The results of several studies suggest that higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin are linked to reduced incidence of AMD.^1-3 The lutein used in nutritional supplements is typically derived from marigold flower extract and people who meet or exceed generally recommended intake levels tend to supplement their diet.

 2.       Zeaxanthin – This carotenoid is sound in the same types of foods that supply lutein. So, targeting leafy green vegetables such as spinach or kale for lutein will also provide a bounty of zeaxanthin. Like lutein, zeaxathin is concentrated in the macula of the eye and is involved in absorbing blue light. The most recent nutrition and health survey of people in the United States suggests that those whose diet provides more than 6 mg of lutein + zeaxanthin daily are at reduced risk of AMD.⁴ Like lutein as well, people who meet or exceed generally recommended intake levels tend to supplement their diet.

 3.       Vitamin C – While vitamin C is an important antioxidant nutrient for most cells throughout the body, it is particularly concentrated inthe lens of the eye where it is believed to be important to support healthy eye tissue and aid in the protection against cataracts. Research conducted at Tufts University suggests that women taking vitamin C supplements for over a decade have a 60% lower risk of developing cataracts than women who didn’t take vitamin C supplements.⁵ Adults should strive for at least 300 mg/day of vitamin C to support eye health, level that would be achieved through diet and supplementation for many if not most people.

 4.       Blueberry – The Japanese often refer to blueberries as “vision fruit” based on their centuries-old reputation for relieving eyestrain. Typically regarded as a super food based on antioxidant potency, blueberries contain nuraceutical compounds called anthocyanins that not only pack much of the antioxidant punch, but are also the pigments that give the blueberry its distinctive color. Because blueberries are a seasonal fruit in most parts of the world and can be expensive, supplementation can help people enjoy eye support from this fruit more routinely.

 5.       Billberry – Being the blueberry’s cousin – both part of the same plant family called Vaccinium - bilberry is often referred to as“European blueberries” abroad. Like blueberries in Japan, bilberries have enjoyed a long history of recognition for their role in vision. Bilberries are packed with anthocynanins like its cousin and many researchers believe that they can support the health of tiny blood vessels in the eye.

This information is provided by TheNutritionDr.com for educational purposes only. It is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat any medical conditions or diseases or to substitute for qualified medical advice. Please Consult your physician before taking any nutrition supplements.