Vitamin A – Has several functions in the body. The most well known is its role in the vision cycle specifically related to the retinal form – hence carrots “make you able to see in the dark”.

Zinc – Zinc is believed to be important for vision because high levels of the mineral are found in the macula, part of the retina. Zinc enables vitamin A to create a pigment called melanin, which protects the eye. Most people that have vision problems are zinc deficient. While it is emphasize the importance of Zinc for vision, it is also important for many other reasons. It turns out that zinc is a cofactor for over 500 biochemical reactions in the body, most of them happening in the brain. That means your brain health, such as memory; focus, mood and your senses depend on zinc.

Lutein – Lutein is an antioxidant carotenoid, a pigmented nutrient that is responsible for the yellow colors of fruits and vegetables and is present in the highest quantities in dark, leafy green vegetables. You’re born with a certain amount of lutein in your eye, but your body doesn’t reproduce it.

Bilberry – The bilberry, a relative of the cranberry, huckleberry, and American blueberry, is a plant with bright green leaves and bell-shaped flowers that grows wild, primarily in northern Europe. It helps with the formation and maintenance of connective tissues within the eye, has beneficial effects on microcirculation, assists in strengthening capillaries in the eye, and protects the macula.

Grape Seed – The leaves and fruit of the grape have been used medicinally since ancient Greece. Since it strengthens the walls of all blood vessels, grape seed extract may also be effective for slowing retinopathy, the gradual break down of the retinas in the eyes.

Quercetin – Is an antioxidant that helps decrease capillary fragility and works with Vitamin C to decrease bruising of the small capillaries in the eye. Quercetin also helps prevent the release of histamine from immune cells to help maintain eye health, as well as its ability to reduce levels of sorbitol – a sugar that accumulates in cells and damages the nerves, kidneys and eyes of people particularly with diabetes.

L-Taurine – Is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the retina. If Taurine is depleted, rapid photoreceptor degeneration can result and it is essential for the function of nerve impulses. This nerve transmission is particularly critical in the eye, so the retina has a higher concentration of taurine than any other organ.

N-Acetil-L-Cysteine – NAC (N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine) Many of the beneficial actions of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, or NAC, are related to its ability to support normal production of glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants. Typically our body’s ability to produce glutathione will begin to decline as we age. Daily exposure to environmental toxins increases the need for antioxidant protection from glutathione. Another reason to actively use NAC N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine.

Lycopene – Is a phytonutrient that has powerful antioxidant properties to help maintain optimal eye health. Research suggests lycopene, like lutein and zeaxanthin, may reduce your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts later in life.

Vision is a complex process involving not only the eyes, but also the lenses, eyelids; tear ducts, optic nerve, as well as the electrical impulses from the eye to the brain. Taking care of our eyes for good vision is more than just getting our eyes checked; that’s only the beginning. One major contributor to eye problems is a poor diet. A deficiency of vitamins can lead to various eye problems and vision loss. Sometimes underlying diseases, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, cause eye damage and vision impairment.

Our eyes, as well as all of our other body organs, need optimal nutritional support to prevent problems and maintain peak function. A life-long practice of adequate supplementation, along with a good diet, helps to avoid the eye problems associated with aging and disease.