Vitamins to Help Eyesight

When you were a kid and your mother told you to eat your carrots because they were good for your eyes, she was really saying that there were some vitamins in carrots that could help keep your eyes healthy for longer. Today, these vitamins can typically be purchased as supplements or they can be added to your diet by eating certain foods that contain them naturally.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin, commonly found in carrots (just like your mother told you) and green foods such as kale, spinach and collard greens are two vitamins which have a great deal to do with reducing the risks of macular degeneration, one of the most common causes of blindness in the elderly. Lutein and zeaxanthin work to absorb certain kinds of light in order to protect plants while they are growing. In humans, these vitamins perform a similar function, preventing certain kinds of damaging light from hitting the retina and causing macular degeneration.

Vitamin A

While lutein and zeaxanthin protect the inner parts of the eye, vitamin A protects the outer part of the eye, the cornea. Vitamin A, found in carrots, beef, chicken livers, and dairy products, is often used to treat dry eyes and is commonly deficient in the populations of developing countries. It should be noted that while vitamin A is good for your eyes, too much of it can be toxic and as such you should consult with your doctor before taking large amounts of it in supplement form.

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids

Eating foods like peppers, strawberries and oranges should provide you with both vitamin C and bioflavonoids which are vital for the health of your eyes. While they are more commonly known for helping to prevent or minimize the effects of the common cold, these vitamins can also help to strengthen the blood vessels tin your eyes, thus helping to prevent a host of health problems, including cataracts and macular degeneration.