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Eye infections are caused by viruses and bacteria, as well as allergic reactions and irritants (such as smoke). Any eye infection that results in redness, swelling, thick discharge, sensitivity to sunlight or blurred vision requires treatment by your doctor. However, taking the right kind of supplement can help prevent infections in the first place. Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused by the deterioration of apart of the retina that is responsible for distinguishing fine detail (the macula) - leading to loss of vision. Peripheral vision remains unaffected but the centre of the field of vision becomes blurry, grey and eventually blank. AMD is thought to be caused by free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules) being formed in the retina due to exposure to sunlight, tobacco smoke (smokers have a high incidence of AMD) and poor diet. Other medical problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease can also contribute as they limit the blood flow to the eyes. The good news is that this degeneration can be slowed and – in some cases – halted. Stopping smoking, eating spinach and kale and even drinking a glass of wine a day can help considerably and, when combined with a program of supplements, can help prevent progression to more serious stages of this debilitating disease. Bilberry plays an important role in improving and maintaining eye health, especially in the elderly. A pigment in bilberry is rich anti-oxidant that helps prevent free radical damage to the eye and enhances blood flow in the capillaries of the retina. Fish oils contain the omega 3, DHA, that is believed to affect the retina and appears to reduce the risk of advanced AMD. These fatty acids help to ensure the blood vessels in the eye function properly – particularly in the retina – and help to reduce inflammation. Ginko biloba contains two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) believed to have potent antioxidant properties that may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. Also the flavonoids found in ginkgo biloba may help halt or lessen some retinal problems and may help preserve eyesight in those suffering from AMD. Lutein is highly concentrated in the macula of the eye where its yellow colour protects the macula from damage from sunlight. Humans do not synthesize lutein and depend entirely on diet or supplements as a source of supply. Whilst lutein reduces the risk of AMD, this does not imply a cure once macular degeneration has started but can lead to prevention for some people, and slowing or halting its progression once it has started could be a realistic expectation. Vitamin A has a primary role in vision. This vitamin is essential for the formation of visual purple, an eye pigment involved in night vision. Severe vitamin A deficiency leads to various physical changes in the eye and eventually leads to blindness. Certain drugs can interact with vitamin A and so anyone using prescribed medication should consult a medical practitioner before supplementing with the vitamin. Vitamin C enhances immunity and so helps to clear any infection and prevent it re-occurring. It can also speed up the healing process and prevent further inflammation of the eyes. Vitamin D has been shown in studies in the USA to help with early AMD, but not with advanced AMD. Studies found that people with the highest levels of vitamin D in their blood had a 40 percent lower risk of early AMD than those with the lowest levels of vitamin D. It is thought that by reducing inflammation and preventing the new growth of blood vessels in the retina, vitamin D may lower the risk of AMD. Vitamin E is another anti-oxidant that is particularly useful for eye health. When taken with a zinc supplement at levels of 400iu, researchers at Harvard found it to be effective at slowing the progress of AMD in those who already had a moderate to serious condition. Zinc plays a major role in the way the retina functions. Some research shows that this mineral can slow the progression of AMD but, as many older people are deficient in zinc, a supplement may help to the extent that the risk of loss of vision is reduced by up to 19%. However, too much zinc has been shown in some studies to speed up the ageing process of the eyes, so supplementing in excess of 25mg per day is ill advised.
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