Your eye health largely depends on your diet, and although certain foods and nutrients are healthy, such as omega-3 fatty acids, a vitamin A deficiency can have very serious consequences for your eyesight, particularly the function of the lenses of the eye. We want to do what’s best for our eyes so it is important for us to keep them healthy and strong. Some will opt for having LASIK eye surgery from places such as https://sharpe-vision.com/seattle-bellevue/ to give people a fresh start at better vision, but that does not mean nutrients should fall behind.
Two different types of nutrients, vitamin A and vitamin E, have been linked to disease-related vision loss. Unfortunately, it’s very common for people to not consume enough vitamin A.
Perhaps the most well-known deficiency is with the vitamin A precursor retinol. There are two different forms of retinol: retinoic acid and retinyl ester. Both retinoic acid and retinyl ester are required for the normal function of the eye and the development of skin and eyes. Although the retinoid forms of vitamin A are best absorbed from the diet, it’s important to note that a large amount of retinol can be obtained from vitamin A supplements.
Research has also shown that retinol deficiency causes photophobia, an inability to tolerate light. In addition, it can impair the ability to see ultraviolet (UV) rays, which is responsible for promoting collagen development and cell growth. Such an inability may ultimately lead to damage to the cornea and optic nerves.
If your eyes are healthy and are in good working condition, then it’s possible that a vitamin A deficiency will not have a serious effect on your vision. In fact, for the most part, vitamin A and retinal production are regulated together. Although you may not be able to recognize all of the vitamin A that is being produced in your body, your eyes will function normally.
If you have a vitamin A deficiency, you may experience double vision or a variety of vision problems. Your vision will be limited because of a compromised lens. Not only will the lens be damaged, but also the collagen fibres of the lens will also be damaged.
Research has also shown that retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa and retinal degeneration, may not have a marked effect on vision, but in some instances, such as in retinal hemorrhages, there may be a marked effect on vision.
Both retinol and retinyl ester can prevent vision loss and improve your vision. Even if you can’t tolerate the retinal acids that are responsible for retinal maintenance, such as vitamin A retinal, retinol retinal or retinal beta, then vitamin A may be necessary to preserve vision.
Vitamin E has also been linked to vision loss. Retinal damage can occur, but not as severely as with retinol deficiency.
It’s important that you get enough vitamin E for the vitamin to reach its maximum beneficial effects. Fortunately, vitamin E is a relatively simple nutritional requirement and is very affordable. It’s possible to get enough vitamin E through food and supplements.
If all of this sounds a bit scary, remember that regional medical professionals such as the opticians Middleton has available will work everything into the eye-care plan they map out for you.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the one nutrient that is highly essential for eye health, and it’s possible that a deficiency can lead to the retinal damage that can lead to retinol deficiency.
