Three main contributors to eye diseases

In the most recent years, vision supplements are becoming more and more important for the old. Many researches indicate that insufficient nutrition intake has been a significant contributor to age-related eye diseases. It is true that some visual problems are caused by genetic factors, prescription drugs as well as other health problems, but nutrients are also indispensible.

Eye health is an integral part of body health

There are many factors that may affect old people’s general eye health. In most cases, factors affecting overall body health also influence the eyes. For instance, free radical damage, chronic inflammation and glycation all negatively affect the body cells, and the eyes are also affected. What’s more, some diseases are closely linked with eye health, even though they do not occur in the eye. A typical example is diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in U.S. among people aging 20 to 74. This body disease often causes proliferative diabetic retinopathy and even macular edema, which involve always vision loss to different degrees.

Ultraviolet rays affect eye health in a serious way

In addition, UV rays from the sun are particularly harmful to the eyes. The reason is that UV radiation triggers the production of free radical molecules in the eyes. In fact, these harmful rays have been proven to be a major contributor to cataracts and potentially lead to age-related macular degeneration. Moreover, some studies reveal that visible blue light contained in sunlight is also associated with macular degeneration.

Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals in the eye

As discussed above, free radical damage is one of the major causes of eye problems. Fortunately, researchers have found effective substances that fight against these harmful radicals. As the name reflects, antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin are capable of neutralizing free radicals in the eyes. So, visual supplements should contain antioxidants. Lutein and zeaxanthin can be gained from lots of fruits and vegetables. But these sources are usually inadequate.

Inflammation is another major cause of eye diseases

Another cause of visual problems mentioned before is inflammation. Inflammatory molecules can actually cause various diseases around the body, including pain in the joints. Inflammation is closely associated with kinds of eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and retinal detachment.

Take foods and supplements containing anti-inflammation nutrients

Diet is also an important aspect. Certain substances such as omega-6 fatty acids will be quickly converted into inflammatory molecules, so that excessive omega-6 fatty acids intake should be avoided. On the contrary, omega-3 fatty acids can be converted into anti-inflammatory compounds. And some antioxidants and plant extracts have similar function. On the other hand, vision supplements as another major source should contain nutrients that can fight against inflammation. These beneficial nutrients include alpha lipoic acid, turmeric, glutathione and resveratrol.

L-carnosine can counter harmful glycation

Glycation is even more dangerous than free radicals and inflammation. Nutrient named L-carnosine is the only one that can break up the plaque caused by glycation. It is necessary for visual supplement products to contain this nutrient.