What are the best natural supplements for preserving your eyesight? Can plant substances really improve your vision?
The two natural ingredients best-known for supporting eye health belong to the carotenoid family: lutein and zeaxanthin. Sharing a very similar molecular structure, these natural pigments are abundantly present in the macular part of the eye and in retinal tissue. They protect the eye by absorbing the most energy-dense oxidising light rays and by preventing photo-oxidation of the pigment lipofuscin, which over time accumulates in retinal pigment epithelial cells.
Most adults in the West have do not consume enough lutein and zeaxanthin (primarily found in leafy vegetables) to reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Dietary supplements are thus particularly helpful for increasing levels of these two carotenoids in the eye.
Their efficacy is also supported by scientific studies. One large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that daily supplementation with 10mg of lutein for one year resulted in a higher concentration of lutein in the eye with potential improvements in vision (1). Epidemiological studies have also shown that individuals with the highest retinal levels of lutein and zeaxanthin have the lowest risk of developing AMD, the leading cause of blindness in Western countries, affecting almost 30% of over-65s.
Several studies suggest that another carotenoid, astaxanthin, may help minimise visual fatigue and reduce the risk of AMD. This is the compound responsible for the pink colour of salmon, trout, shrimps and some other shellfish.
Research has also demonstrated the benefits of saffron extracted from the species Crocus sativus, which also contains antioxidant carotenoids such as crocin and crocetin. Several studies have shown that regular supplementation with 20mg of saffron for 3-12 months can have a moderate effect on improving retinal sensitivity to light and visual acuity in those with recently-diagnosed AMD (2-4). In this case, it’s important that supplements contain extracts of Crocus sativus standardized in crocin, such as Affron Eye. Vitamins C and E and zinc may also delay the progress of AMD (5).
Antioxidants appear to support eye health in general. While flavonols, anthocyanins (found in fresh blueberries, for example) and oligo-proanthocyanidins (found in pine bark) do not accumulate in the eye, they encourage dilation of the blood vessels that supply the optic nerve and help deliver sufficient nutrients to photoreceptors. Many eye problems, including glaucoma, are associated with poor blood supply and deterioration of blood vessels. Antioxidants, such as those provided by Eye Pressure Control, are generally useful for reducing the risk of sight problems associated with diabetes and hypertension.
If you’re looking for a really comprehensive formulation that contains all these ingredients and helps reduce the risk of both AMD and vision problems related to diabetes and hypertension, your best bet is OptiVision.
Whichever you choose, it’s important to continue supplementing for at least three months in order to both experience improvements in visual acuity, and even more so, significantly reduce your risk of developing vision problems.
References
Keywords
5 Days
ease of ordering, well described products, short delivery time
richard sears
5 Days
Product works as advertised and the delivery time was excellent.
JEFFREY
6 Days
SuperSmart's supplements have always been top-notch for both me and my husband. I recommend this company for the best quality supplements. Whenever I have a health issue that I want to address with supplements, I go first to SuperSmart and look under the health topic supplements category and start looking there first for how to address whatever I need. Can't go wrong with SuperSmart.
Diane
7 Days
You have what the doctor can’t do for me Lower de prolactin I am very happy You change my life.!
MENDOZA Mirna
10 Days
Your products are good. You just need to change the way people purchase. Give customers the option of being a guest purchaser.
Grace Jordan
12 Days
Prompt and accurate service.
Cecelia Grosholz
12 Days
The supplements I have purchased from Supersmart have helped me enormously. Their products are well-priced compared to other brands. My order of H. Pylori Fight Advanced Formula arrived yesterday. I have not used this before, but I am hopeful this will be another positive experience.
C Sara
14 Days
The knowledge of knowing by reading what is available to us.
DOMINIC
17 Days
Their products are excellent. I highly recommend SuperSmart for all supplementation needed.
LAZO Renata
19 Days
great website, good products fast, easy checkout
Vivian
20 Days
Fast and efficient service as always
OOMEN Robert
20 Days
Renewed at a discount and items arrived when promised.
El Capt
25 Days
Good service - thank you
EM
27 Days
Fast shipper. With the great discounts on repeat orders, it is a good reason, great discount to try something new.
Larry
29 Days
SuperSmart has the best supplements which generally surpass their American counterparts. I have never purchased a SuperSmart product that did not seem effective at its intended purpose. I trust SuperSmart above all other brands.
Ronald S. Smith