Introduction
The eyes , like all other organs, also benefit from the foods and vitamins they contain.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A and its precursors (in particular beta carotene ) are involved in the mechanism of twilight and daytime vision . Vitamin A deficiency consequently leads to impaired night vision and xerophthalemia ( dry eye and blindness caused by corneal opacification ). This explains why this very important vitamin is the essential ingredient for eye health.
As we have seen, carotenoids are pigments that paint vegetables with the typical bright colours: among carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin stand out, two substances that prevent the onset of eye diseases. Lutein is known for its anti-radical and eye-protective properties: it is mainly found in spinach , lettuce , peas and cabbage. Zeaxanthin is present, however, in peppers , corn , egg yolks , mangoes and spinach: its deficiency could cause blindness in the elderly .
Vitamin B2 and C
Vitamin B2 is also closely linked to the proper functioning of vision and the maintenance of eye health: its deficiency, in fact, could cause burning, sensitivity to light, itching , tearing , up to paralysis of the eye muscles . This vitamin is found in liver, cereals , yeast and eggs.
Vitamin C also plays an essential role in eye health. Being the antioxidant par excellence, together with vitamin E , ascorbic acid protects the body from the attack of free radicals . For this reason, vitamin C could be a valid aid in the prevention of some degenerative eye diseases. Vitamin C is useful in the treatment of glaucoma and could counteract the progressive loss of vision , avoiding the “hardening” of the eye. It is also used in the prevention of corneal ulcers and is useful in eliminating infections. It is ubiquitous in plants, in particular it is found inlemon , citrus fruits in general, broad leaf vegetables, strawberries , peppers, tomatoes and cauliflowers .
Vitamin E
Vitamin E , or tocopherol , also boasts antioxidant potential : for this reason it could be useful for the prevention of eye disorders such as cataracts and AMD ( macular degeneration of adulthood ). Vitamin E could decrease the severity of the acute phase of reticular fibroplasia (severe impairment of the visual structures behind the lens , often leading to blindness); in addition, vitamin E has also brought positive results in strengthening the eye muscles and preventing blurred vision . Its deficiency could be configured as a contributing cause in retinal detachment. Vitamin E is found in foods such as cereals, almonds , corn oil , wheat germ oil , hazelnuts .
Just as the body benefits from a correct diet , the supply of a good quantity of vitamins is also essential for eye health: in this article we have mainly dealt with eye disorders linked to vitamin deficiencies . It should be remembered that even an excessive intake of vitamins can cause various types of visual disturbances. For example, excessive vitamin D supplementation could cause calcification of the conjunctiva and cornea.
Conclusions
From the oldest legends , it is said that the eyes are the mirror of the soul : natural medicine completes the proverb, stating that the eye also represents the mirror of the body, of health and of the diseases connected to it.
