How to Choose Your Vision Multi-Vitamin

Though research is not final on the benefits of vitamin supplements for eye health, many studies have shown that certain key vitamins and nutrients may reduce the risk of developing certain eye problems, and possibly also increase your visual acuity. As research continues, it seems wise to supplement a less-than-perfect diet with a “vision multi-vitamin” that continues most, if not all, of the following items:

Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene – Necessary for night vision, wound healing, and proper immune system functioning, Vitamin A is great vitamin for overall eye health.

Vitamin B Complex – This formula contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 folic acid, biotin and choline and may help reduce chronic inflammation and prevent vascular problems associated with the retina. These B vitamins may also play a role in reducing the risk of macular degeneration, a common cause of vision loss.

Vitamin C – A great overall antioxidant for your health, vitamin C has been shown in some research to reduce the risk of cataracts.

Vitamin D – Recent findings show that vitamin D deficiency is widespread in the United States, particularly in northern climates. Vitamin D is associated with a lower risk of macular degeneration.

Vitamin E – Vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant that may lower your risk for heart disease, also has been associated with a lowered risk for cataracts.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin – Found to be naturally occurring in the macula of the eye (a small area of the retina responsible for central vision), lutein, an antioxidant, may help decrease the occurrence of age-related macular degeneration, as well as reduce the risk of cataracts. Zeaxanthin, lutein’s sister compound, is also found in the retina of the eye and has the same potential benefits of lutein.

Phytochemical antioxidants – Plant extracts, such as those from bilberry or gingko biloba, contain phytochemicals, which seem to have the ability to protect the entire body, including the eyes, from oxidative stress associated with aging.

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids – These essential nutrients, which are found in oiler fish varieties such as salmon, mackerel, and trout, may help combat dry eye as well as reduce inflammation in the body.

Though it would be best if these vitamins and nutrients were found in your daily diet, it’s common knowledge that most Americans don’t eat enough fruits, vegetables, or leafy greens. Taking a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement may help fill in the gaps to a nutrient-deficient diet and may help protect you from degenerative eye diseases.

Taking Care of Your Eyes as a Contact Lens Wearer

 

 

Wearing contact lenses is a wonderful thing.  For many people, it greatly increases their quality of life and for some, it improves their self-confidence.  However, wearing contact lenses is a privilege, one that places a great deal of responsibility on the contact lens wearer.

 

Contact lenses are medical devices that require a proper fitting and prescription evaluation annually by your optometrist.  Many types of contact lenses exist (soft, gas permeable and multifocal to name a few) and lenses are made of many different materials, in many different parameters.  It is important to remember that each contact lens brand is unique.  You might even require a different prescription when switching from one contact lens brand to another.  Contact lenses are also fit for exclusive use with your eyes, so trying on someone else’s contacts is never recommended. 

 

The performance of a contact lens is influenced by the solution it is stored in.  There are many contact lens solutions available, and they are not created equally.  Unfortunately, generic or store brand contact lens solutions usually do not provide the same disinfection or comfort of name brand solutions.  This is why your optometrist will make a recommendation on which solution is most compatible with your eyes and your contact lens brand.  Even though many multipurpose solutions are labeled as “no rub,” in general it is recommended that you go ahead and rub them nightly to remove stubborn bacteria and buildup.  After you use your solution, be sure to close the top on the bottle.  This prevents liquid from evaporating out and keeps the concentration of your solution at its desired level.  Remember:  your contact lens case is a potential home for nasty organisms!  After you insert your contacts, dump the solution out of the case and let it air dry.  Every time you use your case, use fresh solution.  About every one to three months, throw out your case (you can coordinate this with the regular disposal of your toothbrush) and replace with a new one.

 

Contact lenses have a life span.  They go through FDA approval for wear up to a certain amount of days.  Extending your contact lenses over their recommended disposal schedule exposes your eyes to the risks of very serious eye infections, inflammation, mucous and microbial buildup, and decreased comfort and vision.  We are all feeling a tightening of our wallets, but it is simply not worth extending your contact lenses past their time in an effort to save money.  If you have a hard time remembering when to throw out your contacts, try making a note on your calendar to throw out your lenses on a certain date (for example, pay day or the first day of the month).  Some contact lenses have FDA approval for overnight wear, but these lenses must be worn with caution.  Our eyes need a break at night and need time without contacts.  Your risk for getting a very painful, potentially blinding eye infection goes up significantly when you sleep in your contacts.

 

Take the time to properly care for your contacts….this will keep your eyes healthy and happy!

 

 

Dr. Carlene Rosado-Martin

7 Tips for Eye Health

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) Healthy Diet- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables like carrots and spinach. Both are rich in Vitamin E an antioxidant. Slows the onset of macular degeneration and deterioration of eyesight. 

 

2.) Drink Plenty of Water- (Hopefully not bottled) Removes the toxins from the body and helps with eye puffiness.  Also helps prevent dry eye symptoms.

 

3.) Rest!

 

4.) Regular Exercise- improves blood circulation and gives eyes needed oxygen.

 

5.) Avoid Rubbing Eyes- use blinking instead. Blinking the eyes is like a massage. It is recommended to blink 15 times a minute to keep your eyes clean, lubricated and tension free. 

 

6.) For a quick refresher- place a slice of potato or cucumber on both eyes fro ten minutes. Helps to avoid under eye wrinkles and dark circles. 

 

7.) Wear Sunglasses and Hats- Ultraviolet (UV) rays are harmful for the eyes.