Posted by: Heaton Eye Associates in Blog
A patient recently told me that her dog was given prescription dog food to ensure healthy hips for years to come. I thought, “Wow. What if there was a single food I could prescribe to ensure healthy eyes?” We haven’t quite figured that out. However, we have learned a lot about ocular nutrition in the last several years. First, the National Eye Institute’s 10-year study, named The AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease Study), proved the benefits of taking vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc (named AREDS vitamins) in certain stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). It showed that taking AREDS vitamins reduced the risk of developing vision loss by 19% in some patients with AMD, but not all. People who may benefit from taking these vitamins are those who have intermediate and advanced forms of the disease. It is important to note that the study did not show any benefit to taking AREDS vitamins in those individuals with mild AMD and did not prevent the development in people who did not have AMD. Therefore, it is important to consult your eye doctor before starting any eye supplements. An additional study (AREDS II), an expansion of the AREDS Trial, has continued to unveil new discoveries. The trial has found that two other important substances for eye health are lutein and zeaxanthin. These are called “carotenoids” and can be found in high levels in a healthy retina. Currently, research is being done to investigate the benefits of these compounds and the early results appear to be promising. It is important to note that medical research of AREDS II is still being studied and actual benefits are not well established yet. Another supplement with ocular benefits is Omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3s are commonly prescribed by primary care doctors and have numerous benefits to cardiovascular, immune, and neurological health. Your eye doctor may recommend Omega-3 to improve symptoms of dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, or allergies. Fortunately, all of these supplements can be found in a healthy diet and can be enjoyed without buying expensive supplements. Vitamin C is found in most fruits and vegetables and vitamin A and Omega-3 are commonly found in vegetable oils, fish, and nuts. Finally, dark green, leafy vegetables, like spinach, broccoli and asparagus, contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Delicious! The most important thing you can do for your eye health is to stop smoking. Smoking alone makes you 2 to 3 times more likely to develop AMD and has been shown to worsen dry eye disease, Grave’s disease, ocular allergies, uveitis and accelerate cataract formation. Furthermore, the National Cancer Institute has reported an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers who take some Vitamin A supplements, like AREDS. If you currently smoke and wish to quit, please consult your primary care doctor. You’re more likely to quit if you seek professional help. In closing, remember that healthy lives lead to healthy eyes. In specific situations, you may benefit from some of the above vitamins, but they should only be used under the guidance of your eye and primary care doctor. Be sure to always inform your physician of any over the counter medicine. vitamins or supplements you might be taking. It is important for your physician to know this information when any other medications are being prescribed or you are scheduled to have a surgery or other medical procedure.
