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VITAMINS
It is known that the anti-oxidant vitamins A, C and E are significant in maintaining retinal function and some studies have shown that they may have a protective role against the development of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and cataract. The government recommend eating five portions of fruit and vegetables each day — an amount achieved by 13% of men and 15% of women. There is a safe dose limit for each vitamin which should not be exceeded. Beta-carotene is an anti-oxidant related to Vitamin A and is resposible for giving some fruit and vegetables their yellow and red colours but if consumed in excess can damage the liver and unborn foetuses.
In socio-economically deprived areas where poor nutrition is evident there is a greater chance of developing these two eye conditions.
The anti-oxidant vitamins are A, C and E, and are present in peppers, mango, peaches, carrots, green leaf foods such as spinach , kale and broccoli, fruits, nuts and root vegetables.
Vitamin A is present in dairy products (such as butter), green plants and in yellow and orange fruits. Carrots are the root vegetable with proportionally most vitamin A. Fruits have some vitamin A, but leaves have more.
Vitamin C
is to be found in citrus fruits and blackcurrants.
Vitamin E
is a fat-soluble anti-oxidant which helps to maintain cell membrane integrity in the body, including the retina, and is present in soya, corn and olive oils, cereals, nuts and oily fish.
MINERALS There are about 20 minerals which are essential to general health but zinc and
selenium
are thought to be particularly beneficial to the eye. Selenium is said to help prevent breast cancer and levels of selenium in the soil in Europe is declining. Zinc is present in drinking water, meat, eggs, whole cereals and pulses while selenium can be found in meats, cereals and dairy products. Increased zinc can inhibit copper uptake so many zinc supplements contain copper to compensate.
DAILY AMOUNTS SUGGESTED AS BEING THE MOST APPROPRIATE FOR EACH VITAMIN AND MINERAL.
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VITAMIN A
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1mg (milligram)
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VITAMIN C
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500-1000mg
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VITAMIN E
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300mg
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COPPER
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2 mg
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SELENIUM
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70 micrograms
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ZINC
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20 mg
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TREATMENT
Various products are listed below which may help the visually impaired but one should to limit the risk factors which may cause poor vision. It helps to get plenty of exercise and nutritious foods but to avoid smoking, excess alcohol and ultra-violet light.
PRESERVISION ORIGINAL SOFT GELS
Ocuvite PreserVision was the antioxidant vitamin supplement formulation used in the AREDS study, a 10 year independent research programme conducted by the National Eye Institute of America. PreserVision Original is available in soft gel form, and contains high levels of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc in proportions specially prepared for the eyes. It is available in packs of 60 tablets and it is recommended to take 2 tablets twice per day.
PRESERVISION LUTEIN SOFT GELS
Preservision Lutein is similar to Preservision Original but beta-carotene is replaced with lutein and is recommended for those patients who should avoid beta-carotene such as smokers or ex-smokers.
ICAPS
ICAPS include more vitamins and minerals than Ocuvite Lutein plus zeaxanthin for retinal and crystalline lens health. There are 60 tablets per pack with a recommended dosage of 2 tablets per day. Two Icaps are equal to the equivalent of 4 servings of fruit and vegetables per day.
OTHER PRODUCTS
Products such as Visiomax and Selenium-ACE are available from health food shops. Bilberry extract is high in antioxidants and when combined with lutein is said to be very beneficial to the health of the retina.
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