Will Taking Supplements Help My Vision?

Some anecdotal evidence has suggested that certain nutrients may be capable of preventing or delaying eye diseases and problems. Some researchers also claim that some of these nutrients can be found in over-the-counter (OTC) supplements. Your eye doctor should always be involved in any decision regarding taking supplements to improve vision. Also, remember that supplements cannot substitute for regular vision checkups and professional treatment. Always contact your eye doctor before taking any supplements. Here is what you should know about vision supplements.

Some Multivitamins Contain Vision Supporting Ingredients

Before requesting your doctor to recommend vision supplements, you should look at your multivitamins. You may establish that you are already taking some nutrients that are essential for healthy eyes. Some of the nutrients include:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Beta-carotene
• Zeaxanthin
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Omega-3 essential fatty acids
• Thiamin
• Lutein

Each nutrient above has a dietary recommendation for different categories of people. Ensure that you take yours based on your doctor’s advice. If your multivitamins do not contain most or all of the above essential nutrients, you can always get them individually.

Read the Labels on the Vision Supplements

Supplements can only be useful if you are getting what your body requires. Before buying the vision supplements, you should:

• Find a trustworthy manufacturer because quality varies.
• Check expiration dates to ensure that you are buying fresh supplements.
• Only buy sealed bottles.
• Consider buying organic vision supplements. Although you might pay more, they are usually of better quality.
• Avoid purchasing vision supplements that contain fillers and bulking agents.

Will High Dosages of Vision Supplements Help?

If you have eye conditions or think you may be at risk of getting them, high doses of vision supplements might help. Studies done by the National Eye Institute indicated that high dosages of vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and zinc reduced the likelihood of vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the supplements were not beneficial to everyone with the disease. They only helped patients with intermediary AMD or an advanced one affecting only one eye. Consult your doctor to establish whether you are in any of the two categories before taking the supplements.

If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not take any supplements before consulting your doctor. Ensure that you are taking all the doses as recommended by your eye doctor. Additionally, remember that supplements cannot substitute for eating a balanced diet. Eat a balanced diet if you want to reap the maximum benefits of any vision supplements you choose to take. As always, your eye doctor should be the final word on whether or not certain supplements might be useful for your vision issues.