Vitamin E slows the progression of macular degeneration and the formation of cataracts. The FDA suggests adult men and women get 22 IU of vitamin E every day. You can find vitamin E in almonds, peanuts, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
Research has shown that eating foods that contain the healthy vitamins C and E, and lutein and zeaxanthin, may reduce your risk of cataracts. Additionally, if you already have cataracts, these vitamins and nutrients may slow their progression.
Eating a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, low in saturated fats and cholesterol, low in refined sugar or processed carbohydrates, and high in specific vitamins and minerals not only improves your overall health but can reduce the risk and help slow the progression of AMD.
Some research shows that eating foods high in antioxidants like vitamins C and E may help prevent cataracts. If you already have cataracts, it may slow their growth. Good sources of vitamin C include: Citrus (oranges, grapefruit, limes, etc.)
Tomato juice contains practically all the essential nutrients your eyes need. From vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and other elements. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, a vital antioxidant that fights against age-related macular degeneration.
Smoking may increase your chances of developing the condition and seems to speed up its progress. High blood pressure, heart disease, sun exposure, obesity, and a diet lacking in dark green leafy vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids may also be associated with macular degeneration.
Two important vitamins for cataracts are vitamins C and E. Both of these vitamins can treat cataracts, but they can also slow the progression of the cataract and help prevent them. In one study, researchers compared the diets of twins over the age of 60.
Eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking can also help. If you have intermediate AMD in 1 or both eyes, special dietary supplements (vitamins and minerals) may be able to stop it from turning into late AMD. If you have late AMD in only 1 eye, these supplements may slow down AMD in your other eye.
If you have macular degeneration, saturated and trans fats from red meat, whole milk, fried foods, and baked goods can increase your vision damage. Also limit omega-6 fatty acids from sunflower, safflower, and corn oils. Olive and canola oils are healthier cooking choices.
Vitamin C and vitamin E
Vitamins C and E are extensively studied nutrients for preventing and treating macular degeneration and eye-related diseases. They are known to act as antioxidants.
There is no natural cure for cataracts. According to the Mayo Clinic, no studies have proven how to prevent cataracts or slow their progression.
Cataracts are the clouding of the eye's lens over time. Some believe that everyone eventually develops cataracts—this is not true. Those that are on the path to developing cataracts can slow their progression by reducing the lifestyle choices and habits that lead to the formation of cataracts in the first place.
You should also do your best to avoid soft drinks, processed foods, fried foods, and sugary snacks. Eating and consuming these things are all associated with the increased likelihood of cataracts at a younger age.
In conclusion, we found vitamin D deficiency to be associated with early age-related cataract in a statistically significant manner.
The most common cause of cataracts is aging. The proteins in the lenses of our eyes begin to break down around the age of 40, causing clouded vision.
While it may not be possible to fully reverse cataracts with nutrients alone, there are dietary steps you can take to prevent and slow the progress of eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. Vitamin C is one of the best vitamins for cataracts. Vitamin C can prevent cataracts from getting worse.
Purpose: Observational studies suggest that higher serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration may be associated with lower risk of cataract.
Orange Juice. This popular drink is rich in vitamin C. Increasing the level of vitamin C in your diet can help reduce your risk of developing cataracts, so starting some of your mornings with a glass of orange juice might be a great way to keep your eyes healthy.
Risk factors for AMD include being 50 and older, smoking, having high blood pressure and eating a diet high in saturated fat. Although there is no cure for AMD, there are treatment options that may prevent or slow the progression of the disease.
On average, it takes about 10 years to move from diagnosis to legal blindness, but there are some forms of macular degeneration that can cause sight loss in just days.
Smoking is the risk factor most consistently associated with AMD. Current smokers are exposed to a two to three times higher risk of AMD than non-smokers and the risk increases with intensity of smoking. Moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to increase the risk of AMD.