Many conditions can affect your eyes, such as dry eye syndrome, allergies, glaucoma, and others. We have provided information about several of the more common conditions below. Also included is information on dietary supplements.

Dietary Eye Supplements

Everyone knows that eating a proper diet is essential for good health, overall. But did you know that diet is also an important factor in promoting good eye health?

Today an increasing number of eye care specialists recommend antioxidant vitamins and minerals. And the National Eye Institute is conducting studies to determine the impact of antioxidants on cataracts and other eye diseases.

Nutrition and Eye Health

Increasingly, researchers are finding a link between good nutrition and maintaining healthy eyes. Researchers now believe that age-related eye diseases that are caused by the body’s exposure to the normal oxidation process may be slowed by vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables or taken in supplement form.  Because current studies are looking at different vitamins or combinations of vitamins, it is not yet possible to say definitively which vitamins should be taken by whom or in what quantities. 

Nonetheless, it is more and more apparent that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants may help prevent age-related eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration, or at least slow their progress. 

Macular Degeneration: The causes of this disease are not completely understood, but it is now known that light sensitive cells of the macula may degenerate over time.  Risk factors for the disease may include smoking, exposure to sunlight, hypertension, and a high cholesterol level. Diets high in antioxidants (such as Vitamin C) and carotenoids (such as carrots, kale, and spinach) may slow some of the degenerative processes in the retina that can lead to age-related macular degeneration.  See the report from our Macular Degeneration conference to learn more.

Cataracts: The clouding of the lens, typical of cataract, may be related to exposure to ultra violet light and the accompanying oxidation process. As in macular degeneration, this process appears to be slowed by a diet rich in antioxidants, specifically, Vitamin C.  See our Cataracts page for more information. 

The key vitamins for both conditions appear to be Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin E, Folic Acid, Selenium and Zinc.  These are found in leafy green vegetables, carrots, citrus fruits, and melons. 

Spinach, kale, and collard greens, which provide lutein, a carotenoid, seem to be particularly beneficial for the macula. 

Points to keep in mind: 

• While vitamins can be obtained by taking supplements, it is best to get as many of these nutrients as possible through your diet.  A diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat and sugar will help not only your eyes but also your overall health. 
• Although increasing your intake of antioxidants will probably not restore vision that is already lost, it may slow the progress of the disease over time. 
• If you are considering either changing your diet to include more foods rich in antioxidants and/or taking vitamin supplements, consult your physician: some people have other health considerations that could be affected by these dietary changes. 
• Smoking is thought to be a significant factor in eye health.  Studies show that stopping smoking can have significant benefits at any age. 

Nutrition and health are lifelong concerns.  Don’t wait to make changes in your diet until you develop an eye problem or other health concern. 

If you already have vision loss and have been told it can not be helped by surgery, medicine, or standard glasses, you may want to consider seeing a low vision specialist.  These specialists can prescribe optical devices such as magnifiers, telescopes, or adaptive devices that can help you use your remaining sight more effectively.

77 Canada Pharmacy is pleased to be able to help people with eye and ear conditions. Eye and ear products are available through our pharmacy. Eye and Ear Eye Drops, Eye and Ear contact Lens Solution, Eye and Ear Earwas Remover, Eye and Ear Eye Drops, Eye and Ear Ear Drops, Eye and Ear Tear Drops, Eye and Ear Visine.