Essential Nutrients for Maintaining Healthy Eyes

Our eyes are intricate organs that rely heavily on various vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy and function optimally. Deficiencies in these essential elements can increase the risk of eye disorders such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and night blindness, ultimately affecting vision. Here, we explore four key vitamins vital for eye health and foods abundant in these nutrients:

Vitamin A
Vital for maintaining clear vision, vitamin A supports the health of the cornea—the transparent layer covering the eye's iris and pupil. A deficiency can cause dryness and night blindness. Beta carotene, found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers, and squash, is a primary source of vitamin A. Studies also link low vitamin A levels to poor night vision, as it is crucial for forming rhodopsin, a protein enabling sight in low-light conditions.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for safeguarding the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) damage and reducing oxidative stress, which can lead to cataracts. Incorporating foods rich in vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, grapefruit, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, into your diet supports eye protection and overall health.

B Vitamins
Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 help lower homocysteine levels, a compound associated with inflammation and a higher risk of age-related macular degeneration. Foods such as chickpeas, tuna, fish, poultry, leafy greens, and peanuts are excellent sources of B vitamins and contribute to eye health.

Vitamin E
As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E helps protect eye cells from oxidative damage linked to poor eye health. Nuts, seeds, almonds, and avocados are rich in vitamin E and can support maintaining healthy vision.

Vuity® is a prescription eye drop designed to address presbyopia, a common age-related condition causing blurry near vision. It works by reducing pupil size, thereby improving close-up sight.