Eyes & Vision

Last Updated: August 16, 2022

Vision is the result of eyes converting light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Oxidative stress is implicated in the development of eye disease, so consuming adequate amounts of nutrients with antioxidant properties is important for eye health.

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What are the basics of eyes and vision?

Vision relies on the eyes' ability to focus light, which is converted into electrical signals that travel to the brain for image processing. Key components involved in this process include the cornea, pupil, iris, lens, and retina; common eye conditions that affect vision are age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye.

How could diet affect eyes and vision?

A diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids — particularly vitamin A, C, E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids — is vital for maintaining eye health and preventing conditions like night blindness. Consuming fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, and legumes can lower the risk of eye diseases.

Which supplements are of most interest for eyes and vision?

Supplements of interest for eye health include antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids because they may help reduce oxidative stress and improve eye conditions. These nutrients are found in high concentrations in eye tissue and are believed to play a protective role against oxidative damage.

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References
  1. ^Sánchez López de Nava A, Somani AN, Salini BPhysiology, VisionStatPearls.(2022-07)
  2. ^National Eye InstituteHow the Eyes Work(2022-04-20)
  3. ^McCusker MM, Durrani K, Payette MJ, Suchecki JAn eye on nutrition: The role of vitamins, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants in age-related macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, and cataract.Clin Dermatol.(2016)
  4. ^Francisco SG, Smith KM, Aragonès G, Whitcomb EA, Weinberg J, Wang X, Bejarano E, Taylor A, Rowan SDietary Patterns, Carbohydrates, and Age-Related Eye Diseases.Nutrients.(2020-Sep-18)
  5. ^Churchill and GudgelWhat is an Ophthalmologist(2022-01-11)
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  7. ^Farrand KF, Fridman M, Stillman IÖ, Schaumberg DAPrevalence of Diagnosed Dry Eye Disease in the United States Among Adults Aged 18 Years and Older.Am J Ophthalmol.(2017-Oct)