 Recent research shows that certain vitamins and zinc may be important for preventing eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Macular degeneration is the breakdown of an area in the retina, a light-sensitive part of the inner eye that's important for clear vision. Macular degeneration is a common cause of blindness in people after age 50. Studies show that some people with macular degeneration tend to have less vitamin E in their bodies than those without the disease. Experts still can't say for sure whether vitamin E supplements can slow down or reverse macular degeneration because doctors recommending this treatment haven't yet reported positive results. One small study found that zinc supplementation slowed the rate of macular degeneration in some people. More research is needed to confirm this result before doctors can recommend routine use of zinc supplements. A few small studies indicate that eating foods high in vitamin C and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin may help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. Eating corn, spinach, and egg yolks can provide these antioxidants in the diet. Medical research has shown no effect of vitamin A containing foods or supplements on prevention or treatment of macular degeneration. One recent study called AREDS involved taking 500mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, up to 25,000 IU of vitamin A, 80mg of zinc oxide, and 2 mg of copper. The risk of developing moderate to severe loss of vision in some people was decreased by up to 25%. Some people believe vitamins C and E can protect the eyes against cataracts. Initial studies show that people who take vitamins C and E may have a lower risk of getting cataracts than people who don't take these vitamins. But we need more research to determine who will benefit from vitamins C and E, and to establish the optimum dose of these vitamins. Getting the recommended daily allowance (RDA) is a good starting point for most people. The RDA for adults is 60 mg of vitamin C and 30 IU of vitamin E. Most multivitamins contain the RDA for these vitamins. Dietary sources of vitamin E include whole wheat, wheat germ, and nuts. Broccoli, spinach, orange juice, and strawberries are all good sources of vitamin C. Manufacturers advertise several dietary supplements specifically for eye health. These products generally contain vitamins A, C, and E in combination with zinc and other minerals. Ocuvite and ICaps Plus are examples of vitamins promoted for maintaining healthy vision. Sources:
Belda, J.I. "Serum Vitamin E Levels Negatively Correlate with Severity of Age-Related Macular Degeneration," Mechanisms of Aging and Development 107 (1999).
Robertson, J.M. "A Possible Role for Vitamins C and E in Cataract Prevention," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 53 (1991).
Christen, W.G. "Antioxidants and Eye Disease" American Journal of Medicine 97 (1994).
Newsome, D.A. "Oral Zinc in Macular Degeneration," Archives of Ophthalmology 106 (1988).
Seddon, J.M. "Dietary Carotenoids, Vitamins A, C, and E and Advanced Age-related Macular Degeneration. Eye Disease Case-Control Study Group," Journal of the American Medical Association 272 (1994).
Diseases and Conditions, "Macular degeneration." http://www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/3/2007.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.
This answer prepared 5/28/2000.
This information updated 1/3/2007.
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