Eye nutrients support vision health. These natural compounds largely come from antioxidant-rich plant sources and work to:
- Nourish & support healthy eyes.**
- Encourage sharp, clear vision.**
- Help with night vision & glare.**
What are Eye Nutrients?
Our eyes let us see the world, and their importance to everyday living and overall quality of life is crucial. Each eye functions like a complex camera with various delicate components, including the retina, the inner light-sensitive surface of the eye that stimulates nerve impulses. Within this section is the macula, a small yellow-pigmented spot that controls high-resolution central eyesight. The visual information that the eye perceives is transmitted from the retina to the optic nerve to the brain.**
While some are born with excellent vision and manage to keep it throughout adulthood, it is estimated that more than 10 million Americans age 12 and older could benefit from better eyesight. Moving into middle age, approximately 1.8 million people in the United States who are 40 or older have considerable vision issues, many of which severely limit or obscure normal eyesight. As people enter their senior years, eye health becomes even more of a concern. Given the growing older population in America, it is estimated that nearly 3 million people will have age-related vision issues by 2020.**
The good news: The US National Eye Institute reports that nutritional supplementation could save the vision of 300,000 adults at high risk for age-related macular issues over five years. Eye nutrients found in supplements help to uphold healthy vision by supplying natural compounds that support ideal eyesight. Many of these supplements supply antioxidants, which counteract ocular oxidative stress, both protecting and maintaining vision wellness. In the case of the pigments lutein and zeaxanthin, these carotenoids aid in boosting levels that naturally occur in the eye but can diminish during the aging process. Some of the most high-profile natural eye nutrients are:**
- Lutein: A pigment prevalent in marigold flowers and dark leafy greens, lutein is a xanthophyll carotenoid present in the retina of the eye. Largely concentrated in the retina's focus-centric macula, lutein functions as an antioxidant and as “internal sunglasses,” protecting the delicate photoreceptor cells from free radical damage. Extensive research has indicated that the yellow pigment provides internal vision protection, with studies showing that it supports glare recovery and lens clarity, as well as overall visual acuity. Investigations have specifically centered on the carotenoid’s ability to replenish macular pigment, which helps to maintain eye wellness during aging.**
- Zeaxanthin: This yellowish carotenoid is related to lutein and complements that compound's antioxidant activity to support vision health. Like its xanthophyll cousin, zeaxanthin is abundant in the macula, which is associated with sharp focus. Higher levels of the pigment are linked to optimized eye performance, including keen visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, along with swift glare recovery. Zeaxanthin, which is often derived from paprika, has been studied at length for its connections to upholding vision clarity and wellness in seniors.**
- Bilberry: A blueberry-like fruit most commonly found in Europe, bilberry has a history in regional cuisines and wellness practices. The small, delicate and flavorful berry contains antioxidant anthocyanins, which help to neutralize oxidative stress. Bilberry has been particularly singled out for its ability to encourage eye health, specifically night vision. Research has backed up this benefit, with findings that the fruit aids in dark adaptation and minimizing eyestrain in low-light conditions.**
- Astaxanthin: A carotenoid in the reddish area of the color spectrum, astaxanthin is an effective antioxidant present in nautical microalgae. In addition to fighting free radicals, the nutrient is linked to vision wellness, with studies pointing to its macular support, especially in an older population. Investigations have also shown that astaxanthin promotes retinal microcirculation and may cut down on eye fatigue for those who spend extended time at a computer.**
- Blueberry: A popular North American fruit, blueberry has become more esteemed in recent years, due to wider recognition of its nutrient content. Like bilberry, it is plentiful in oxidative-stress-countering anthocyanins. Although it hasn't been as thoroughly studied as its European superfruit cousin for its ties to vision health, research has found similar benefits, with blueberry contributing to a reduction in retinal photodamage from light and the maintenance of general visual wellness.**
- Artificial Tears: These drops help to moisten and lubricate dry eyes and aid in promoting vision clarity and comfort. Artificial tears are designed to provide temporary relief and are not intended for long-term use.**
Eye Nutrient Supplements
Eye nutrients are primarily sourced from plants. These extracts are commonly available in capsule and softgel form. Some compounds are presented in combined vision-supportive formulas, with the complementary carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin often paired together.**
Eye Nutrient Directions for Use
Consult with your health care professional before starting regular intake of vision nutrients or any routine supplementation. No standard dosage has been set. Based on specific ingredients, supplements may vary widely in amounts, from 5 mg to 1,000 mg.**
