Physiology

Lab-12
Effect of vitamins
deficiency on eye health
‫قسم البصريات‬
‫المرحلة الثانية‬

‫يوسف فاضل جميل‬.‫د‬

2019-2020
 Effect of vitamins on eye health
Vitamin A
Roles in eye health:
1. Vitamin A plays an important role in vision by maintaining a clear cornea.
2. Vitamin A is also a component of rhodopsin.
3. Vitamin A may be associated with a reduced risk of cataracts and age-related
macular degeneration (AMD).
Effect of vitamin A deficiency:
Xerophthalmia is a progressive eye disease which begins with night blindness. If vitamin A
deficiency continues, your tear ducts and eyes can dry out. Eventually, your cornea softens,
resulting in irreversible blindness.
Recommendation:
For general eye health, vitamin-A-rich foods are recommended over supplements.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source, as are leafy green vegetables, pumpkins and bell
peppers.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect your eye cells from damage by free
radicals, which are harmful, unstable molecules.
Role in eye health:
1. Vitamin E reduced the risk of progressing of age related macular degeneration to
advanced stages.
2. Vitamin E may help prevent age-related cataracts.
Recommendation:
Some vitamin-E-rich options include nuts, seeds and cooking oils. Salmon, avocado
and leafy green vegetables are also good sources.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that may protect your eyes against damaging free
radicals.
Role in eye health:
1. Vitamin C may benefit those with AMD.
2. Vitamin C is required to make collagen, a protein that provides structure to your
eye, particularly in the cornea and sclera.
3. Vitamin C may help lower your risk of developing cataracts.

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Recommendation:
Citrus and tropical fruits, bell peppers, broccoli and kale contain particularly high
amounts of vitamin C, making them great options to boost your daily intake.

Vitamins B6, B9 and B12

The combination of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 may help reduce your risk of
developing AMD by lowering your homocysteine (protein in your body that may be
associated with inflammation and an increased risk of developing AMD) levels.

Riboflavin(vitamin B2)
Vitamin B2(riboflavin) is an antioxidant, riboflavin may protect against damaging
free radicals in your eyes. Diets (oats, milk, yogurt, beef and fortified cereals) high in
riboflavin have been associated with a reduced risk of developing cataracts.
Niacin(vitamin B3)
The main function of niacin (vitamin B3) in your body is to help convert food into
energy. It can also act as an antioxidant.
Role in eye health:
Niacin may play a role in the prevention of glaucoma.
Recommendation:
1) Supplements should be used with caution. When consumed in high amounts of
1.5-5 grams per day, niacin may pose adverse effects to the eyes, including blurred
vision, macular damage and inflammation of the cornea.
2) However, there is no evidence that consuming foods naturally high in niacin has
any adverse effects. Some food sources include beef, poultry, fish, mushrooms,
peanuts and legumes.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are part of the carotenoid family, both of these carotenoids can
be found in the macula and retina of your eyes, where they help filter potentially
harmful blue light, thus protecting your eyes from damage.
Role in eye health:
1) Prevent cataracts.
2) Prevent or slow the progression of AMD.
Recommendation:
Supplements may not be necessary. As little as 6 mg of lutein and zeaxanthin may
yield benefits, and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables naturally provides this amount.
Cooked spinach, kale and collard greens are particularly high in these carotenoids.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat. The cell membranes of your
retina contain a high concentration of omega-3.

Role in eye health:

1. Omega-3 fats have anti-inflammatory properties which may play a role in the
prevention of diabetic retinopathy (DR).
2. Omega-3 fats may also benefit individuals with dry eye disease by helping
them produce more tears.
Recommendation:
To increase omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, include rich sources such as fish,
flaxseed, chia seeds, soy and nuts. Omega-3s can also be found in cooking oils such
as canola and olive oil.

Thiamine (vitamin B1)

Thiamine, or vitamin B1, plays a role in proper cell function and converting food into
energy.
Role in eye health:
1) Reducing the risk of cataracts.
2) Potential treatment for the early stages of DR.
Recommendation:
Food sources of thiamine include whole grains, meat and fish. In addition, thiamine is
often added to foods like breakfast cereals, bread and pasta.