The Role of Diet in Preventing Macular Degeneration
How lutein, omega-3s and the AREDS2 formula may slow age-related eye disease
Though nutrition is an important aspect of general health and wellbeing, and good nutrition can also help with eye health, many people are under the mistaken impression that eating healthy — particularly carrots — will help them to see better. Unfortunately, if glasses or contact lenses are needed for vision correction, extra vitamins in the diet cannot take away or reduce the need for vision correction. However, good nutrition does in fact promote good eye health over a lifetime and may reduce the risk of vision-threatening diseases.
Vitamins and Antioxidants for Eye Health
Vitamins A, C, and E are vitamins that provide antioxidant nutrients. Antioxidants fight oxidative stress in the body and may help to delay the formation of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions. A well-balanced diet with fruit and vegetables will contain these vitamins. In particular, leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and arugula, as well as colorful fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and cranberries, are excellent sources.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are other micronutrients which provide antioxidant effects. Because they are expressed in the macula — the area responsible for your vision when you look straight ahead — they may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Spinach, swiss chard, kale, parsley, pistachios, green peas, and egg yolks are excellent sources of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Omega-3 Nutrients and Dry Eye
Omega-3 nutrients have proven benefits for those who suffer from dry eye. They appear to work by promoting better production of the oily part of the tear film, which prevents its evaporation. Good omega-3 sources include salmon, walnuts, and flax seed. For those who cannot get enough in their diet, supplements are also a good option, but natural sources may provide superior benefits.
Supplementation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
For some patients with macular degeneration, supplementation is important in addition to a healthy diet. Large-scale studies conducted by the National Eye Institute indicate that patients with intermediate-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) benefit from a particular set of nutrients called the AREDS 2 Formula. This is a high dose of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Copper, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin, which has been clinically shown to reduce the rate of progression to more advanced stages of macular degeneration.
About the Author
Dr. Ming Wang, a Harvard & MIT graduate (MD, magna cum laude), is the Director of Wang Vision 3D Cataract & LASIK Center. He is one of the few laser eye surgeons in the world who holds a doctorate degree in laser physics. Dr. Wang has published 9 textbooks, holds several U.S. patents, and performed the world's first laser artificial cornea implantation. He has received many honors including the Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Chinese American Physicians, and the Kiwanis Nashvillian of the Year Award for his lifetime dedication to helping blind orphan children worldwide.
Source: Wang, M. (2019). Nutrition and Eye Health — A well balanced diet with antioxidant sources may help promote eye health. Wang Vision 3D Cataract & LASIK Center, Nashville, Tennessee. Retrieved from:
https:// www2.drmingwang.com/article_nurtrion_and_eye_health