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Eyes are vital to long-term wellbeing, and yet often overlooked until they start to weaken. It’s important to invest in the care, treatment, and nutritional needs of our eyes so they stay healthy for a long time. In a typical American diet, these nutrients are often lacking and might need supplementation (1). At Salus Integrative Medicine, we provide whole-body wellness testing with a focus on improving overall health, including eye health.
Inflammation and Damage
What nutrients do eyes need to be healthy and effective? Most weakening eye conditions are connected to inflammation. “There is evidence that dietary antioxidants and anti-inflammatories may provide benefit in decreasing the risk of age-related eye disease.” Since the eye is more exposed than most other organs, it’s more susceptible to injury and oxidative damage from light and a high metabolism (1).
Specific supplement formulations are designed to support the eyes of high-risk patients and can provide guidelines for overall eye support if a person is lacking or in need of certain nutrients (1). Please speak with your physician prior to adding supplements or changing your diet, as these can interfere with certain medications or medical conditions.
Eye Supporting Nutrients (1):
- Vitamin C to support collagen production and prevent damage
- Vitamin E for immune support; protecting the eyes’ fatty acids
- Βeta-carotene to maintain healthy plasma levels
- Zinc for retina health through stabilizing the metabolism and membranes
- Certain Omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy blood vessels and signaling
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin for retina support and prevention of blue light damage
- Pycnogenol to improve healing after a sudden loss of vision (2)
Pycnogenol is an extract of french maritime pine bark shown to help with a sudden loss of vision. Optic nerve pressure or damage from fluid buildup is one of the most common reasons for a sudden vision loss. Improving blood flow and reducing pressure helps reverse and heal optic nerve damage (2).
Dietary Suggestions
Diet is the best way to increase nutrient intake, as supplements may not absorb as well and aren’t a good fit for many people. Broccoli, brussel sprouts, spinach, and lettuces, as well as some potatoes and sweet peppers, contain high concentrations of Vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene. Omega-3 fatty acids are most concentrated in fish and seafood. Almonds, legumes, beans, and even some grains provide vitamin E and zinc. Billberry, along with other blueberries and blackberries, might be particularly beneficial for providing high concentrations of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Preventing long-term damage to the high amounts of collagen and fats in the eyes will improve the longevity of your overall eye health (1).
It’s possible to support your eyes through a personally curated diet or supplement plan. Contact Dr. Lisa Mainier to schedule an appointment and discuss eye health and overall wellness. Dr. Mainier blends valid, good quality, science-based medicine, with an integrative, whole-body, respectful, patient-centered approach to obtaining health.
Sources:
- Rasmussen, H. M., & Johnson, E. J. (2013). Nutrients for the aging eye. Clinical interventions in aging, 8, 741–748. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S45399. Viewed from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3693724/
- Belcaro, G., Cesarone, M. R., Scipione, C., Scipione, V., Cox, D., Cotellese, R., Dugall, M., Hosoi, M., Corsi, M., Feragalli, B., Gizzi, C., & Torino Rodrigues, P. (2025). Pycnogenol® improves retinal microcirculation and symptoms of optic nerve ischemic damage after sudden, reversible unilateral loss of vision: a pilot evaluation. Journal of neurosurgical sciences, 69(6), 463–468. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0390-5616.24.06374-4. Viewed from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40420794/