There are numerous eye problems you can develop over time, but two common ones are cataracts and macular degeneration. If you want to prevent developing either of these, you may want to start taking better care of your eyes right now. One way to do this is to begin taking lutein and zeaxanthin, which are both supplements known for offering protection for the eyes. Here are several things you should know about these supplements and your eye health.
They are carotenoids
Carotenoids are phytonutrients, which are plant chemicals or pigments, and they are found in many vegetables and fruits. Carotenoids are what give fruits bright colors, such as yellow, orange, and red. Consuming carotenoids is good for your health in many ways, but they are especially helpful for your eye health.
Carotenoids are helpful for your eye health because they are antioxidants, which are known for fighting free radicals in the body. Another way these help is by filtering blue light from reaching the inner parts of your eyes. When blue light reaches through to the inner parts of the eyes, it can damage the eyes. This is one cause of macular degeneration, but it can also increase the odds of developing cataracts.
These supplements protect your eyes
Because lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, they offer a lot of protection for your eyes. While your eyes make both of these chemicals, they do not make enough to offer a sufficient amount of protection for the eyes. Many studies have been completed on the effects of these two supplements on the eyes, and many of the results have concluded that taking these supplements can help prevent developing macular degeneration and cataracts. In many cases, these supplements also delay the progression of both diseases.
How to get these supplements
You can try to consume foods that contain lutein and zeaxanthin to help your eye health; however, it can be hard to consume enough of them. If you want to try, start by eating fresh spinach. This is one of the best vegetables for obtaining both supplements. In addition, you can eat squash, kale, corn, and peas to obtain lutein and zeaxanthin.
An easier way to obtain these chemicals is to take a supplement. Your eye doctor can recommend a good one and can help you determine how much to take.
If you are interested in learning more about eye health, contact an optometrist in your area to schedule an appointment. For eye exams, contact a company such as Montgomery Eye Center.
Share4 July 2016
Hi, I'm Deena, and as I neared middle age, I noticed that my eyesight wasn't as good as it used to be. I first started out needing reading glasses to read the small print in magazines, and then a few months later, I had to put them on to see the computer screen clearly. I knew by then that my eyes were getting worse and that I needed to do something quickly. I made an appointment with the optometrist and the doctor gave me an eye exam. Even though my sight wasn't as bad as I had feared, I still needed prescription glasses. I love my new glasses because I can actually see now. I have put together a lot of information about eye problems, eye tests and even various types of eye wear so that others don't wait as long as I did to see the eye doctor.