How often do you consider the impact of your diet on the health of your eyes?
Whilst most people are now aware of the tremendous impact that a great diet can have on many aspects of their health and wellbeing; few people are aware of the dietary changes that can have a significant impact on eye health.  

About 2 million people in the UK regard themselves as having eye problems, and around 100 people start to lose their sight every day. And as the population of the Western world ages, it is likely that eye disease will become even more prevalent. Contrary to popular belief however, deterioration of the eyes is not an inevitable consequence of ageing; oxidative stress, smoking, obesity and sub-optimal nutritional status are all modifiable factors that have been implicated in the pathology of eye dysfunction. Here’s a summary of the key nutrients you can choose to include in your diet to protect your eye health both now and in the long term.

Antioxidants have a significant role to play in maintaining the health of the eye; cellular damage as a result of oxidation is believed to contribute to the development of a wide spectrum of eye diseases. The retina of the eye is particularly vulnerable to damage due to oxidation. Key antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamins E and C, which help to neutralize harmful free radicals may help to protect the eye. Lipoic acid is a particularly useful antioxidant for the eyes as it protects against both fat and water-soluble free radicals and also helps to enhance the effectiveness of other antioxidants

Zinc - The retina is known to have a high concentration of zinc; it interacts with taurine in the photoreceptors of the eye. It is also needed for the functioning of an important enzyme, which converts retinol to retinal, the form of vitamin A used in the eye. Copper binds with zinc therefore it is always prudent to supplement copper with zinc.  

L-Taurine is the most abundant amino acid in the eyes and may help to prevent or reverse cataracts. 

Carotenoids such as zeaxanthin are powerful free radical scavengers and can help to protect the eyes. One study found that adults with the highest intake of lutein had a 57% reduced risk of developing AMD compared to those with the lowest intake1. 

Another carotenoid lutein is found in high amounts in spinach, romaine lettuce, peas, egg yolks and corn.  

Bilberry – This fruit, similar to blueberries has long been used for the traditional treatment of eye conditions; its active constituents are flavonoid anthocyanosides, which have potent antioxidant activity. Interestingly, World War II British air pilots reported improvements in their night vision following the consumption of bilberries!

References:

1. Seddon JM, Ajani UA, Sperduto et al. Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration JAMA 1994; 272: 1413-20

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