Sight is an important convenience and one of life’s greatest pleasures. For both reasons, keeping our vision healthy as we age – in particular, to prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – deserves our attention. With one herb, researchers noted a marked improvement after only four weeks.
Here are some natural products shown in recent scientific research to protect and enhance vision health:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Consuming omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of developing AMD, an eye disease causing loss of central vision; as well as a particular kind of cataract. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) in the US used photography to assess the eyes of more than 4,500 people between ages 60 and 80. The study also assessed their diets, concluding that omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with a 39% reduction in neovascular (or wet) AMD. In Australia, the Blue Mountains Eye Study associated a higher dietary intake of omega-3 with reduced incidence of nuclear cataract: a type of cataract involving only the inner, dense portion of the lens of the eye.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: The AREDS research mentioned above, a major clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute, associated a higher dietary intake of the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin with decreased risk of both wet and dry AMD. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in such foods as leafy green vegetables, corn, egg yolks, squash, broccoli and peas. They are also available as supplements and as part of vision health formulas.
- Ginkgo: German researchers reported that an extract of the herb ginkgo biloba can help treat dry AMD. About 100 patients received the extract daily for six months. "Marked improvement" in vision was noted already after four weeks, with more pronounced improvements in a subgroup of patients who had received a higher dose. Ginkgo biloba extract, prepared from the dried leaves of the gingko tree, contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that may contribute to vision health.
- Vitamin D: Increased levels of this vitamin may be associated with reduced prevalence of early AMD, American researchers suggest. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the researchers focused on almost 8,000 people considered representative of the entire US population. Individuals with the highest blood levels of vitamin D had a 40% lower risk of early AMD than those with the lowest levels.
In summary, nature can help prevent and alleviate vision problems. Increasing your intake of vision-friendly nutrients through supplements, diet or both can help you achieve your best vision possible.
Sources: Arch Ophthalmol. 2007 May;125:671-679; Am J Ophthalmol. 2007 Jun;143(6):932-939. Epub 2007 Apr 24; Arch Ophthalmol. 2007 May;125:1225-1232; Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002;152(15-16):423-6; Arch Ophthalmol. 2007 May;125: 661-669