Eye diseases: protective vitamins

This article is from the magazine Les Dossiers de Sciences et Avenir n°220 dated January/March 2025.

Many eye diseases are age-related, such as cataracts, which affect 60% of people over the age of 85. This clouding of the lens causes a hazy feeling that can, in the long term, lead to blindness. However, it is easily treated by lens replacement.

AMD, the leading cause of visual impairment from the age of 50

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The risk of glaucoma also increases, affecting 10% of people over the age of 70. This disease is caused by increased intraocular pressure, which affects the optic nerve. It first reduces peripheral vision, then central vision, and can cause blindness if not treated promptly. Several treatments are available, including eye drops and surgery to reduce intraocular pressure.

There age-related macular degeneration AMD (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment for people over 50, and affects up to 30% of people over 75. It is caused by the deterioration of the central part of the retina, called the macula. Available treatments only slow its progression, but do not cure the disease.

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An antioxidant role that protects the eyes

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of developing these conditions. The most important nutrients are vitamin C (found in many fruits), vitamin E (found in almonds and olive oil), and zinc (found in vegetables, meat, eggs, and dairy products).

As well as carotenoids (natural pigments present in certain vegetables and fruits), particularly lutein (abundant in green leafy vegetables and yellow vegetables, such as corn and carrots) and zeaxanthin (in corn, cauliflower, eggs and spinach).

These nutrients play an antioxidant role that protects the eyes. They can be found in the form of dietary supplements, but they are most effective when consumed through food: supplements, for example, have no protective effect against cataracts.

Finally, fish, especially oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout), are also good foods for protecting eye health. It is, of course, advisable to protect your eyes from UV rays and avoid smoking.