Eye Damage and vision loss can happen for many different reasons, including underlying health issues. Some of these can be complications related to diabetes, high blood pressure, exposure to excessive sun, exposure to tobacco smoke or other pollutions, as well as poor nutrition and dehydration.

Eye Health

Many of these health issues occur from the damage caused by Free Radicals.  These free radicals come from our own body process like metabolism, during our body immune’s response, and when we are exposed to environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides. 

Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if Antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur. Of particular importance is the free radical damage that accumulates with age.

Our diets have become high in processed foods that are laden with additives and preservatives and very low in any nutritional value. Our body needs a wide range of nutrients to help the optimal function and protection of our body.   When we become low in nutrients, deterioration and damage can occur to the organs of the body including the eyes.   Particularly is the intake of antioxidants that will help to neutralize the free radicals, that if not neutralized will cause damage to the cells of our body.

Listed below are some of the nutrients that can help with supporting eye health:-

Carotenes are found in rich yellow, orange vegetables and fruits, (and some red) as well as dark leafy greens vegetables.  Some of these carotenes can be converted into Vitamin A within the body. 

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenes that are unable to be converted into Vitamin A, but have fantastic antioxidant effects, especially in the eye area.

Green vegetables such as kale, spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, garden peas and brussel sprouts are among the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin.

Bioflavonoids are super antioxidants that can be found in many natural foods. Anthocyanosides are bioflavonoids found in blue and red berries, and flavonglycosides are found in the Gingko Biloba extract.

Zinc is needed for many roles in the body. In regards to the eye, there are large amount found in the eye, and is required for the activation of Vitamin A.  Zinc also helps to protect against light-induced damage.

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that is needed to help destroy the free radicals, as well as being required for tissue growth and repair.

Vitamin E – helps protect the cells by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids (fat) and the formation of free radicals.  Vitamin E deficiencies can result in the dysfunction of neuromuscular tissue including the retina 

New Zealand Health foods have a range of supplements that support the health of the eye:-

NutraLife Bilberry 10,000 - Bilberry 10,000 plus Lutein Complex is a plant-based antioxidant combination providing the important nutrient lutein, plus vitamins, minerals and amino acids and is formulated to assist visual function, help relieve eyestrain and tired eyes. 

Clinicians Vision Care with Lutein - Vision Care with Lutein is a scientifically validated synergistic antioxidant formula specifically designed to support eye and macular health and healthy vision. Containing Xangold® derived from marigold flowers which provide the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin to support the integrity of eye tissue.

KNH Acai - Natives living in the Amazon region in Northern Brazil have included Açai berry in their diet for hundreds of years due to its nutritional value. Remarkably high in antioxidants, KNH Açai also contains omega fatty acids 6 & 9, fiber, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Each KNH Açai capsule contains the equivalent to 10,000mg of these powerful little berries.

KNH Grape Seed - Knh Grape Seed 30,000 is a super high-strength grape seed extract standardised to provide 300mg of oligomeric proanthocyanidins in every capsule. 

KNH Gingko Biloba  - Taking ginkgo leaf extract by mouth seems to improve pre-existing damage to the visual field in people with normal tension glaucoma.  KNH Ginkgo Biloba has the added extra benefits of Ginseng, Fish Oil, and Gotu Kola that all work to support circulation and brain function.

By Jessica Sanders - Jessica is the Retail Manager for New Zealand Health Food Company. You can read more content from Jessica on Google+