How to Use Vitamins for Healthy Eyesight

It's easy to take good vision for granted; however, if we do not make the effort to maintain our eyesight, we may begin to notice subtle blurring when we try to focus on objects or pictures in a magazine. Fortunately, eyesight is easy to improve using vitamins and making dietary changes.

Instructions

1. Consume adequate amounts of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins work best together, so take them at the same time, preferably in the morning after breakfast.

2. Eat liver, whole milk and egg yolk, which contain high amounts of vitamin A. Carrots, sweet potatoes and squash contain carotenoids, which the body converts to vitamin A under optimal conditions. Lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin are some other eyesight-boosting nutrients found in eggs, fruits and vegetables.

3. Include fatty fish like salmon in your diet or take a good fish oil supplement with adequate DHA and EPA. These essential fatty acids help protect the myelin sheath around the nerves in your eyes.

4. Replace junk-y "white foods" such as processed sugar and wheat with healthy alternatives. Ease into changes by slowly replacing them with whole grains and unprocessed sweeteners, such as rapadura sugar. Your body and eyes will reward you with increased vitality.

5. Eliminate dietary trans-fats such as margarine and partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils. Some studies indicate that consumption of margarine may lead to eye problems such as macular degeneration.

Tips & Warnings

• Some health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, may cause eyesight degeneration. Consult your healthcare professional if you have any concerns about sudden or severe changes in your eyes.

• Check that labels of supplemental vitamin A specify that it is from natural sources, like cod liver oil. Overdosing is a concern with even moderate amounts of synthetic retinol, especially since many foods are fortified with it.