Vitamins for vision are needed not only to improve its quality, but also to prevent eye diseases. The selection of drugs depends on the diagnosis, age and individual characteristics of the patient.
Types of medications
Vitamin complexes can be divided into 3 categories.
The first are preparations in which the main active ingredient is anthocyanins. This is a biologically active substance with a pronounced antioxidant effect. Blueberry extract contains a large amount of anthocyanins.
The antioxidant works as follows:
- protects tissue from free radicals;
- strengthens capillaries and vessel walls;
- prevents thrombosis;
- improves blood circulation and metabolic processes;
- stimulates enzyme activity.
The second group consists of products containing carotenoids - organic pigments that are also involved in antioxidant protection. The best known are beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene. They are able to slow down age-related degeneration of retinal tissue, reduce the risk of developing cataracts and have a preventive effect on a number of other diseases.
The third group is complexes with microelements and minerals: zinc, selenium, calcium. Zinc is considered particularly useful because it supports the function of the optic nerves. Preparations with a high zinc content are used for glaucoma and a number of other age-related diseases.
Drops or capsules: which is more effective?
The form of the drug is selected depending on the type of disease. If you have diseases of the cornea or lens, it is recommended to use drops that spread quickly over the iris. If you have retinal diseases, take tablets or capsules. They dissolve in the blood and release active substances that reach the inner part of the eye (retina). This effect is not possible with drops.
Who needs eye vitamins?
Taking vitamins is not only recommended for serious illnesses or illnesses. Dietary supplements are necessary for people who spend more than 5 hours a day in front of a computer screen, for contact lens wearers and for people over 40 years old, as age-related changes accompany this period, which are accompanied by a deterioration in the quality of vision.
Mineral complexes are prescribed at the first signs of farsightedness or myopia, as well as symptoms of increased intraocular pressure.
Eye vitamins for farsightedness or myopia do not restore visual acuity, but normalize metabolic processes.
Which vitamins promote vision?
Healthy people also need bioactive substances. They protect the organs of vision from harmful external influences, nourish tissues and prevent the development of pathologies.
The main thing is to choose the right vitamins according to your age and health status.
Vitamin A
Retinol is responsible for visual acuity, color perception and regeneration. It strengthens the corneal tissue and normalizes the functioning of the visual organs. A retinol deficiency leads to the development of conjunctivitis and the dry eye effect.
Group B
For normal visual function, 4 types of vitamins from this group are necessary:
- Thiamine (B1) stabilizes intraocular pressure, is involved in the transmission of information to the brain and maintains visual acuity;
- Riboflavin (B2) normalizes blood circulation and metabolic processes, nourishes tissues, protects against the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation and is responsible for visual acuity at dusk;
- Pyridoxine (B6) supports the function of the optic nerve and is involved in impulse transmission, reduces muscle tension and prevents nervous tics;
- Cobalamin (B12) stimulates blood circulation, protects the lens body from clouding and supports the function of the optic nerve.
All vitamins in this group support the body's visual functions.
vitamin C
Ascorbic acid is a vitamin for eye vision, necessary to strengthen blood vessels and reduce the risk of bleeding. Regular redness of the whites of the eyes indicates frequent damage to the capillaries and a deficiency of this bioactive element.
Vitamin C also stimulates collagen production and prevents the development of cataracts. It is necessary for protection against ultraviolet radiation and oxidation processes in the human body.
Vitamin E
Tocopherol is responsible for antioxidant protection. It maintains the permeability of vascular tissue, allowing nutrients to enter cells more quickly. This element is contained in most drugs that combat age-related changes.
Nuances of choice
When choosing eye vitamins to improve vision, you should pay attention to the following:
- Composition (name and content of active ingredients);
- Release form (drops or tablets);
- Taste (presence of flavor and aroma additives);
- Contraindications and side effects;
- Age;
- the presence of concomitant pathologies and diseases;
- Expiry date.
When purchasing vitamins to improve visual acuity and prevent eye diseases, you should not expect an immediate effect. The effect most often occurs after completing 2-3 courses, the duration and frequency of which are determined by the doctor.
Natural sources of vitamins
You can get vitamins not only from medicines, but also naturally - from food.
Sources of retinol include blueberries, grapefruit, celery, vegetables, apricots and tomatoes. Thiamine is found in legumes, bran bread, fish and seafood. Riboflavin is found in green vegetables, salads, seeds and nuts.
Vitamin B6 is found in liver and eggs, B12 in beef, milk and dairy products. The source of ascorbic acid is citrus fruits. There is even more of it in peppers, but also in rose hips, black currants and raspberries.
Tocopherol deficiency can be compensated for by including carrots, sea buckthorn, lettuce, greens, butter and eggs in the diet.
Diploma
To prevent or treat eye diseases, various vitamin complexes, drops and medications are prescribed. Remember that medications are prescribed individually and only by a doctor. If you choose them yourself, you risk making the problem worse.
Perhaps one of the most important and easiest ways to keep your eyes healthy is to have an annual eye exam with your ophthalmologist or ophthalmologist. These visits will allow you to discuss your concerns and address your individual eye care needs.