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Eye Vitamins As Antioxidants to Prevent Eye DiseaseThe culprits behind the oxidation process are free radicals. They are also responsible for eye problems such as cataract and macular degeneration. Since oxidation is the result of damage by free radicals, scientists are studying how antioxidant minerals and vitamins can combat these disorders. Well-known antioxidants include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, CoQ10, beta-carotene, alpha-lipoic acid and zinc. They are also considered valuable eye vitamins because of their role in improving eye health. Studies show that antioxidants are largely responsible for decreasing macular degeneration and slowing its progression. For example, Vitamin E is linked with a 14 percent decreased threat of macular degeneration in a trial conducted by over 22,000 doctors. Another research trial examined patients with symptoms of macular degeneration, who had supplemented their diets with zinc. These subjects experienced less vision loss from the disorder than patients that had taken a placebo. A 1994 trial from the Eye Disease Case Control Study showed that beta-carotene and other carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin decreased the development of macular degeneration. The trial found that patients who increased their intake of green leafy vegetables were 88 percent less likely to contract severe macular degeneration than those who ate fewer green leafy vegetables. Based on these studies, many doctors say that the following antioxidants can be considered eye vitamins. The recommended dosages are as follows: 500 to 1,000 mg Vitamin C, 400 IU Vitamin E, 5,000 to 10,000 IU beta-carotene, 50 to 100 mcg selenium, 30 to 45 mg zinc and 2.5 mg of lutein. Also Read: |