Protect Your Eyes with Vision-Improving Supplements

Reader Contribution by Susan Melgren and Web Editor
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Looking at a computer for eight plus hours a day can take its toll on our eyes. Intensely staring at a computer can lead to computer eyestrain, which can cause headaches, a stiff neck, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and tired, watery or dry eyes. If you’re putting your eyes through this daily abuse, you might want to adjust or supplement your diet to include herbs and minerals that naturally improve vision and fight degeneration.

Lutein: Increasing your intake of lutein, an antioxidant found in leafy green vegetables, will protect your eyes from degeneration. Lutein is naturally present in our eyes, and studies have shown that it can both improve vision and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Lutein can be found in foods such as spinach, kale, broccoli and collard greens. Take 15 milligrams of lutein daily.

Staring at a computer all day can strain your eyes, causing headaches, blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Protect your eyes with natural vision-improving supplements. Photo By IRPC/Courtesy Flickr.

Ginkgobiloba: Ginkgo improves circulation, directing more blood to the eyes and helping to protect the retina (the back part of the eye). Ginkgo also has antioxidant effects, neutralizing free radicals that contribute to health problems. Studies have shown that ginkgo biloba can improve vision in people with glaucoma and can stop or lessen problems with the retina, including ARMD. Take 120 milligrams, or one capsule, daily.

Bilberry: This herb was first discovered as beneficial for eyesight during World War II when British Royal Air Force pilots said their night vision improved after eating bilberry jam. Studies have since shown that the flavonoids in bilberry can prevent damage to the retina and strengthen capillaries (tiny blood vessels) and connective tissues in the eye. Take 240 to 600 milligrams daily.

Eating the right kinds of foods can also protect your eyes. Carotenoids fight free radicals in the body and can be found in food such as leafy greens, bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes, mangoes and melons. Fish oil containing DHA, which is naturally concentrated in the retina, can also reduce the risk of ARMD.  

  • Published on Jun 28, 2010
Tagged with: Reader Contributions
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