Nutrition

We now know that many conditions of the eye are prevented by good nutrition and by the addition of vitamins and supplements. It has been shown that a good quality multivitamin can reduce the incidence of cataract by 25 percent. Another study involving 88,000 nurses nation-wide showed that an intake of at least 350 mg of vitamin C reduces that advance of cataract by 70%. This was an amazing finding that was not expected. You would have to eat way too many oranges daily to obtain this level, with the ingestion of way too much sugar. It takes supplementation with a pill to reach this level.

A study on macular degeneration called the AREDS study showed that a multivitamin containing beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper slowed the progression of this disease by 25%. This was wonderful news for those of us who have felt from their clinical experience that multivitamins seemed to stabilize patients with this disease. Lutein is a yellow carotenoid that is heavily concentrated in normal maculae. We know that lutein is absent in retinas with macular degeneration. It was not available commercially when the AREDS study was undertaken. Lutein is something we recommend for patients with incipient macular degeneration for this reason.

Dry eye is perhaps the most common condition ophthalmologists’ treat. A recent discovery is that dry eye condition has an inflammatory component. Increasing omega 3 fatty acids in our diet will positively influence this condition. Sources of omega 3 fatty acids are cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, haddock, cod and sardines. The supplemental source Dr. McNabb recommends is fish oil.

Instead of treating eye diseases, we would much rather prevent them. We recommend a basic multivitamin with extra C,E, calcium, magnesium, and omega 3 fatty acids. We would be happy to give you more information for your specific needs.