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Supplements Specialist

Whitson Vision

Board-Certified Ophthalmologists located in Avon, IN & Indianapolis, IN

Your eye health is just as important as your overall health and wellness, and many people turn to natural supplements to keep their body and eyes functioning properly. Our team at Whitson Vision in Indianapolis and Avon, Indiana, can recommend supplements to help improve your eye health as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for your specific vision problems. Find out if supplements can help restore your eye health or prevent conditions from getting worse by calling the office or scheduling an appointment online today.

Supplements Q & A

How can supplements help my eyes?

Natural supplements may be useful as part of a complete eye care and vision treatment plan under the direction of your physician. After a comprehensive eye exam and testing, your physician assesses your eye health and vision condition and recommends the appropriate procedures or prescribes eyeglasses or contacts. She may also suggest supplements to boost your eye health or prevent the onset of age-related conditions.

Which supplements support eye health?

In addition to eating a healthy, low-fat diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, research studies regarding eye health and the prevention of age-related eye diseases indicate that antioxidant multivitamins reduce the risk and progression of vision loss from macular degeneration. The National Eye Institute conducted these studies in patients who were ages 55-80. They tracked the progress of participants over a six-and-a-half-year period.

Based on the results of these studies, researchers discovered that eye supplements such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are found in plants, can reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. These supplements can also slow the progression of vision loss by up to 25%.

Which supplements should I take for optimal eye health?

Based on the results of your in-depth eye exam and overall health, your physician will recommend supplements that can maintain good eye health, or prevent your condition from progressing. Some of the supplements you may benefit from include:

  • Vitamin A and beta-carotene to support night vision
  • The family of B vitamins to help reduce vascular problems in your retina and the risk of macular degeneration
  • Vitamins C and E, which are associated with reduced risk of cataracts
  • Vitamin D, which can lower your risk of macular degeneration
  • Omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce your dry eye symptoms

And, as the National Eye Institute study indicated, lutein and zeaxanthin can also help to reduce your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Supplements shouldn’t replace a healthy diet or be a substitute for other components of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and optimal health and wellness.

If you’re interested in learning more about supplements as part of your comprehensive vision treatment plan, ask your physician what he or she recommends at your next eye exam. To schedule a consultation, call the office or use the convenient online booking feature.