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4 vitamins important for maintaining eye health

4 vitamins important for maintaining eye health

The eyes are one of the most important sensory organs, and they play a massive role in helping one carry out day-to-day tasks. They may seem like simple organs, however, eyes are complex organs that require a lot of care and attention. Additionally, the eyes also need various vitamins and nutrients that help them function properly and keep diseases at bay. In the country, more than 3.4 million people suffer from eye problems.

Eye health and problems
People affected by eye-related ailments and issues prefer using lenses either in the form of contact lenses or eyeglasses to lessen the discomfort. Many eye-related problems plague people around the world. Some of the common problems are:

Blurred vision: Many people are affected by blurred vision, where they are either unable to see objects far away or face trouble seeing objects closer to them. In such cases, they may their ability to see clearly is limited to a particular distance. These problems arise because of the structure of the eye, making it difficult for the light to be refracted. These issues can be fixed with the help of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and even laser surgery.

Astigmatism: One of the most common vision problems is astigmatism. Here, patients’ vision problems are caused by an error in the shape of the cornea, which is also known as the lens of the eye. This discomfort caused here can be reduced by using contact lenses and eyeglasses.

Presbyopia: This is usually an age-related issue where the eye gradually loses the ability to focus on things nearby. It is not a major problem and can easily be corrected with the usage of eye lenses or contact lenses.

Vitamins required for eye health
Vitamins and other nutrients not only help reduce the severity of eye problems in some cases but also might help reduce the risk of developing these conditions. Here are some of the most important vitamins:

Vitamin A: This is a component of the protein rhodopsin that helps one see clearly in low-light conditions. Vitamin A also aids in maintaining a clear cornea (lens), and its deficiency can lead to problems in vision. Some of the major sources of vitamin A are bell peppers, leafy green vegetables, and pumpkins.

Vitamin E: Oxidative stress is often associated with many eye problems, as it causes an imbalance between the free radicals and antioxidants in the body. This is where vitamin E comes in as one of the most potent antioxidants to help protect the eye cells. Vitamin E-rich foods are salmon, avocado, nuts, and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is another antioxidant that reduces the risk or onset of age-related eye diseases as it is required for the production of collagen, a protein that helps give structure to the eye. It also prevents dry eye, which causes a lot of irritation and discomfort for the patient. You can find vitamin C in kale, broccoli, bell peppers, and citrus fruits.

Vitamin B9, B6, and B12: A combination of these vitamins often helps in the reduction of inflammation and can also lower the risk of developing macular degeneration. Sources of these vitamins include eggs, dairy products, carrots, and salmon.

Many eye problems can be treated or avoided by adding foods rich in vitamins and nutrients to one’s meals. Some people affected by eye problems also choose to wear eye lenses in the form of contact lenses and eyeglasses to lessen the discomfort and improve vision. Doctors also recommend contact lenses for astigmatism. Patients can choose the contact lenses of their choice, and it could cost them anywhere between $200 to $960 depending on the severity of their condition.