It's what you don't see that can hurt you most - eye vitamins help protect and maintain your eye health

Eye vitamins such as Vitamin A, lutein and antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E can help protect the eye from various diseases such as macula degeneration and cataracts.

Vitamin A is necessary for long-term eye health. Everyone has heard the saying “carrots are good for your eyes,” and it is true. Carrots contain a high amount of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A by our bodies. Carrots are not the only source of Vitamin A. Other sources include: tomatoes, green and red peppers, egg yolk, liver, spinach and other colorful vegetables. Vitamin A helps promote eye health by improving night vision. It also decreases risks for cataracts and age related macular degeneration. Vitamin A deficiency can also affect eye health because it causes dryness of the conjunctiva, swollen eyelids and ulcers on the cornea, which can ultimately lead to blindness.

Lutein is being studied as a preventative measure for macular degeneration, especially age related macular degeneration. Lutein is also important in eye health because it protects the eyes from sun damage. Sun protection is especially important for people with light colored eyes. So, even if studies find that lutein does not help prevent macular degeneration, it is still important for overall nutrition and eye health. Good sources of lutein are: broccoli, spinach, yellow corn, green peas, pumpkin, and raw green leafy vegetables.

The antioxidant Vitamin E is believed to help prevent cataracts and may also be linked to reducing the effects of macular degeneration. Although few studies have been done on the antioxidant Vitamin E and eye health, many studies are currently in progress. Sources of Vitamin E include: vegetable oils, wheat germ, egg yolk, milk fat, nuts and green leafy vegetables. Other antioxidants should also be considered as vitamins for eye health, such as Vitamin C. Vitamin C has been found to be extremely effective in preventing cataracts especially when taken with Vitamin E. Currently studies are being done to find out if Vitamin C also helps with preventing macular degeneration. A recently released study also found that Vitamin helps reduce pressure in the eye for glaucoma patients. Source of Vitamin C are: fruits especially citrus, tomatoes, melons, green leafy vegetables and raw cabbage.

Learn more about the best vitamin supplements and the health benefits they may provide for you.