Supplements for Cataract and Eye Health
Supplements for Cataract and Eye Health?
Supplements for cataracts and eye health can provide additional nutritional support when appropriate. It is important to understand which nutrients may support normal eye health and help protect cells from oxidative stress. A varied and balanced diet provides many important nutrients, while additional supplements may provide nutritional support when appropriate.
Nutrients linked to eye health include vitamins, minerals and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Researchers have also studied other ingredients, including N-Acetyl-Carnosine (NAC) and carnosine, in relation to eye health.
Which Supplements for Cataracts and Eye Health May Support Healthy Vision?
A number of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients help maintain normal health and vision. These include vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin. Omega-3 fatty acids also form part of a balanced diet.
Antioxidant nutrients are of particular interest in eye health because they help the body deal with reactive molecules produced during normal biological processes. Throughout life, the eyes are exposed to oxygen and light, so researchers continue to study the relationship between oxidative stress and age-related changes in the eye.
For reliable information about cataracts, their causes and risk factors, see:
National Eye Institute’s information on cataract causes and risk factors
Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Eye Health
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that occur naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, peas, peppers and eggs. High levels of these nutrients occur in the retina, and researchers have studied their role in eye health.
A varied diet can provide lutein and zeaxanthin, but some people also choose supplements that contain these nutrients. Our Bright Eyes Caps contain lutein and zeaxanthin alongside other nutrients selected to support eye health.
As with any supplement, follow the recommended serving instructions and consider your overall dietary intake rather than assuming that higher amounts will provide greater benefits.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidant nutrients that contribute to normal health. You can find vitamin C in foods including citrus fruits, berries, peppers and green vegetables. Nuts, seeds and vegetable oils provide vitamin E.
Eating a varied diet is a useful way to obtain a range of vitamins and other nutrients. Supplements may help when dietary intake is insufficient or when additional nutritional support is appropriate.
For further information about nutrition and eye health, see:
National Eye Institute – Eye Conditions and Diseases
Zinc and Eye Health
Zinc is an essential mineral that supports many processes within the body. It also contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
Foods including meat, shellfish, dairy products, beans, nuts and seeds can provide zinc. A balanced diet can therefore provide zinc as part of a wider range of essential nutrients.
If you take a zinc supplement, follow the recommended dosage. Avoid taking unnecessarily high amounts unless an appropriate healthcare professional advises you to do so.
Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress occurs when the production of reactive molecules exceeds the body’s ability to control them effectively. The body has natural antioxidant defence systems, and many foods also provide antioxidant compounds.
Because the eyes are continually exposed to oxygen and light, researchers have made oxidative stress an important area of research into eye ageing and different eye conditions.
However, evidence can vary depending on the particular nutrient, amount taken, population studied and eye condition under investigation. Therefore, research involving one nutrient or condition should not automatically apply to every type of eye problem.
NAC and Eye Health
N-Acetyl-Carnosine (NAC) is a compound that researchers have studied in relation to eye health and oxidative stress. Further research has also examined NAC in ophthalmic preparations and its potential role in supporting the eye.
Our Ethos Bright Eyes NAC Eye Drops for Cataracts contain N-Acetyl-Carnosine (NAC) and are formulated for topical use in the eyes.
For more information about N-Acetyl-Carnosine, why it is used in eye drops and the research surrounding this ingredient, see our guide:
What is N-Acetyl-Carnosine (NAC) and why is it used in eye drops?
Carnosine and Eye Health
Carnosine is a naturally occurring compound made from the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine. Researchers have studied its antioxidant properties and a range of potential biological effects.
Our Ethos Carnosine provides carnosine as a nutritional supplement. You can include it as part of a wider nutritional approach alongside a varied and balanced diet.
When taken internally, carnosine can complement a wider approach to nutritional support. We also offer a range of eye drops for people looking for topical eye care.
How Can You Support Long-Term Eye Health?
Supplements are only one part of a wider approach to maintaining long-term eye health. Eating a varied diet, avoiding smoking, protecting your eyes from excessive UV exposure and attending recommended eye examinations are all sensible steps.
Regular eye examinations are particularly important because some eye conditions can develop gradually without obvious symptoms during their early stages.
If you notice changes such as blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, increased sensitivity to light, halos around lights or other changes in your vision, arrange an eye examination with an appropriate eye-care professional.
Choosing Supplements for Cataracts and Eye Health
When choosing supplements for cataracts and eye health, consider the ingredients, their amounts and how they fit into your overall diet. Looking at the nutritional information can help you understand what a supplement provides.
It is also sensible to avoid taking multiple products that contain the same nutrients without checking the combined amounts. If you take medication, have an existing medical condition or are unsure whether a particular supplement is suitable for you, speak with a doctor, pharmacist or other appropriate healthcare professional.
Explore More Eye Health & Cataract Guides
Our Health Guides & FAQ’s provide clear explanations of important topics relating to eye health, cataracts and nutritional support.
For reliable information about cataracts and eye health, visit:
