Vitamins, Minerals, and Vision
By Dr. Richard Burns - California Eye Pros
 
How many times do we wonder which vitamins and minerals to take, how much and how often?
 
At a recent ophthalmologists' meeting I learned that someday, in our near future, ingested tiny mechanical devices will assess and deliver nutrients exactly to the area needed. This nanorobotic advance will allow us to diagnose and repair genetic defects and constantly assess the need for medication, even administering the precise amount. No one really knows when this will become available, but no doubt this is exciting news!

Until then, how can we keep ourselves as healthy as possible with our available resources?
 
Our country is blessed to have a rich and varied supply of fruits, vegetables and protein that can provide a balanced diet. If we take the opportunity to provide our cells with the proper nutrients, and avoid the destructive ones, we can improve our possibility of long, healthy and productive lives, complete with optimum vision. 
 
However, face it, we don't always eat a balanced diet. Sometimes illness prevents the absorption of essential elements in our diet. Sometimes drugs or genetics promote premature aging. Until nanorobotics becomes part of our lives, supplements can play a role. 
 
Currently, it is not possible to scientifically determine if vitamins or minerals are needed to relieve suffering from dry eyes, cataracts, or macular degeneration.  We also do not know if the nutrients are going to the correct area or are being absorbed properly.

Studies attempting to determine effectiveness of vitamins are primarily limited to anecdotal (non-scientific) comments.  Remember that vitamins and minerals are not regulated by the FDA and therefore not required to pass through the stringent testing that prescribed medications are subjected to.  We must be skeptical, therefore, about the claims of vitamin or mineral supplements that help vision problems.  The studies making these claims may have some scientific basis but have not been tested sufficiently to isolate the effect, nor has testing been in a large enough sample size.

While taking supplements may not be harmful, (except sometimes to the wallet), it is important to know that some may interfere with prescribed medications.
 
So what can we do?  25 years of ophthalmology experience has given me some insights that I share with my patients.  Of course, counsel with your own eye physician to determine which suggestions may be appropriate for you.  

I have had success supplementing my patients who suffer from dry eyes with flaxseed oil, best in capsule form 400mg twice a day. To help with macular degeneration, I suggest Occuvite capsules, and a diet rich in green leafy vegetables such as raw spinach and kale. There is no way to reverse cataract formation, but you may be able to slow it down with antioxidants like lutein and one aspirin a day. I would also suggest a weekly intake of almonds or sunflower seeds for Vitamin E, salmon for fatty acids, broccoli, citrus for Vitamin C, wheat and nuts for Zinc, and carrots or sweet potatoes for Vitamin A. Remember we are probably not significantly deficient in any of these areas; these are intended to supplement.  Start with a low dose and build up slowly.