Dietary dietary supplement: myths and reality

Section 1: Understanding of vision and factors affecting its state

Vision, a complex and multifaceted process, is one of the most important senses that provide us with the perception of the world. From the clarity of images to the ability to distinguish colors and evaluate the depth, vision plays a key role in our daily life. However, many factors are influenced by the state of vision, both internal and external.

1.1. Anatomy and physiology of vision:

To understand how vision functions, it is necessary to understand its anatomical structure. The eye is a complex optical system consisting of several key components:

• Cornea: The transparent front of the eye, which focuses the light that falls into the eye. Any damage or deformation of the cornea can lead to distortion of vision.
• Iris: The painted part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil, thereby adjusting the amount of light entering inside.
• Pupil: The hole in the center of the rainbow shell through which the light passes.
• Crystalik: A flexible lens located behind the iris, which focuses the light on the retina. With age, the lens loses its elasticity, which leads to a deterioration in near vision (presbyopia).
• Retina: A photosensitive fabric lining the back of the eye. It contains photoreceptors – sticks and cones that convert light into electrical signals.
  • Sticks: Responsible for vision in low illumination (night vision).
  • Knukes: Responsible for vision in bright light and color perception. There are three types of cones, sensitive to red, green and blue colors.
• Vine nerve: Transmits electrical signals from the retina to the brain, where they are interpreted as visual images.
• Yellow spot (macula): The retinal area containing the greatest concentration of cones. She is responsible for acute central vision, necessary for reading, driving and recognizing faces.
• Glass: A gel -like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina, supporting the shape of the eye.

The process of vision begins with the fact that the light passes through the cornea and the lens that focus it on the retina. The retinal photoreceptors convert light into electrical signals that are transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain. The brain processes these signals and forms visual images.

1.2. Factors affecting vision:

The state of vision is affected by many factors that can be divided into several categories:

• Genetics: Heredity plays an important role in predisposition to various eye diseases, such as myopia, farsightedness, astigmatism, glaucoma and degeneration of the yellow spot.
• Age: With age, vision naturally worsens. The lens loses elasticity (presbyopia), the risk of cataracts and degeneration of the yellow spot increases.
• Environment:
  • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: A long-term exposure to UV radiation can damage the eyes and increase the risk of cataracts and degeneration of the yellow spot.
  • Dry air: Dry air can cause dry eyes, irritation and impairment of vision.
  • Air pollution: Air pollution can irritate the eyes and contribute to the development of inflammatory diseases.
• Life:
  • Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, degeneration of the yellow spot and other eyes of the eyes.
  • Diet: An unbalanced diet, poor in vitamins and minerals, can negatively affect the health of the eyes.
  • Eye-strain: Long -term work at the computer, reading in conditions of insufficient illumination and other activities that require prolonged concentration of attention can lead to eye fatigue and visual impairment.
• Diseases:
  • Diabetes sugar: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness.
  • Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels of the retina, leading to hypertensive retinopathy.
  • Autoimmune diseases: Some autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, can affect the eyes.
• Medicines: Some drugs can have side effects on vision.

1.3. Common eye diseases:

There are many eyes of eyes that can lead to vision of vision or blindness. Some of the most common diseases include:

• Myopia (myopia): A condition in which a person sees well nearby, but sees poorly into the distance.
• Fruise (hyperopia): A condition in which a person sees well into the distance, but sees poorly near.
• Astigmatism: A condition in which the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, which leads to distortion of vision.
• Presbyopia: The age -related deterioration of nearby vision, associated with the loss of elasticity of the lens.
• Cataract: The clouding of the lens, which leads to a deterioration in vision.
• Glaucoma: A group of diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to blindness.
• Yellow stain degeneration (age -related macular degeneration, VMD): The disease affecting the central part of the retina (macula), leading to the loss of central vision.
• Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes.
• Dry eyes (dry eye syndrome): A condition in which the eyes are not sufficiently moistened.
• Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva): Inflammation of a transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.

Understanding the factors affecting vision and common eye diseases is an important step towards maintaining the health of the eyes and the prevention of diseases. Regular examinations of an ophthalmologist, a healthy lifestyle and compliance with the doctor’s recommendations will help maintain good vision for many years.

Section 2: Bad to improve vision: review and components

Dietary supplements (biologically active additives) to improve vision are products containing vitamins, minerals, plant extracts and other substances that are allegedly able to maintain eye health, improve vision or prevent the development of eye diseases. However, it is important to understand that dietary supplements are not medicines and are not intended for the treatment of any diseases. Their role is to maintain health and prevention, but the effectiveness and safety of many dietary supplements for vision remain the subject of scientific research.

2.1. The main components of dietary supplements for vision:

Bades for vision often contain a combination of various components, each of which is believed to have a certain effect on the health of the eyes. Some of the most common components include:

• Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These carotenoids are the main components of the macula (yellow spoon) of the retina. They act as antioxidants, protecting the eyes from damage by free radicals, and filter harmful blue light, which can damage the retina. Studies have shown that Luthein and Zeaxantin can reduce the risk of developing age -related macular degeneration (VMD) and cataracts. Sources of Luthein and Zeaksanthin: dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage), corn, egg yolk.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): A powerful antioxidant that protects the eyes from damage by free radicals. Vitamin C also plays a role in the formation of collagen, which is necessary for the health of the cornea and other tissues of the eye. Studies have shown that vitamin C can reduce the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Sources of vitamin C: citrus fruits, berries, pepper, broccoli.
• Vitamin E (Tokoferol): Another powerful antioxidant that protects the eyes from damage to free radicals. Vitamin E can also improve blood circulation in the eyes. Studies have shown that vitamin E can reduce the risk of cataracts and EMDs. Sources of vitamin E: vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, avocados.
• Zinc: An important mineral that plays a role in many processes in the body, including vision. Zinc helps to transport vitamin A from the liver to the retina, where it is necessary for the formation of a rhodopsin – a photosensitive pigment necessary for night vision. Zinc is also an antioxidant and can protect the eyes from damage to free radicals. Studies have shown that zinc can slow down the progression of the VMD. Sources of zinc: meat, seafood, nuts, seeds, legumes.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA): Important fatty acids that are necessary for the health of the retina and other eye tissue. DHA is the main structural component of the retina. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can protect the eyes from dryness, VMD and diabetic retinopathy. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids: fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), linen seed, chia seeds, walnuts.
• Vitamin A (Retinol): It is necessary for the formation of a rhodopsin, a photosensitive pigment necessary for night vision. Vitamin A also plays a role in maintaining the health of the cornea. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to dry eyes, a deterioration in night vision and other vision problems. Sources of vitamin A: liver, egg yolk, dairy products, carrots, sweet potatoes.
• Anthocials: The pigments contained in berries, fruits and vegetables of dark color (blueberries, black currants, cherries). Anthocyans have antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties and can protect the eyes from damage to free radicals, improve blood microcirculation in the eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts and the ESR.
• Selenium: A trace element with antioxidant properties. Selenium helps to protect the eye cells from damage to free radicals and can help improve vision. Sources of Selena: Brazilian nuts, tuna, turkey, beef.
• Office extract (Euphrasia Officinalis): A traditional remedy for the treatment of eye diseases. It is believed that the mayor extract has anti -inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is often used to alleviate the symptoms of conjunctivitis, dry eyes and eye fatigue. However, scientific data on the effectiveness of the extension extract to improve vision are limited.
• Routine: Bioflavonoid, which has antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties. Rutin can strengthen blood vessels in the eyes and improve blood microcirculation. It is often used to treat diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases associated with damage to blood vessels. Sources of routine: buckwheat, apples, citrus fruits.

2.2. Forms of the release of dietary supplements for vision:

Dietary dietary supplements are produced in various forms, including:

• Capsules: A convenient form for admission contains a certain dose of active ingredients.
• Tablets: Similar to the capsules, can be chewing or soluble.
• Chewing pastries: Suitable for children and people who have difficulty swallowing.
• Liquids (drops, syrups): Can be more convenient for assimilation, especially for people with digestive problems.
• Powders: You can add to water or other drinks.

The choice of release form depends on the personal preferences and recommendations of the doctor.

2.3. Criteria for choosing dietary supplements for vision:

When choosing a dietary supplement for vision, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Composition: Pay attention to the composition of the product and make sure that it contains the components you need in sufficient doses.
• Manufacturer: Choose dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers who adhere to high quality standards and have a good reputation.
• Certification: Make sure that the dietary supplement is certified and meets the safety requirements.
• Reviews: Check out the reviews of other consumers about the product.
• Consultation with a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplement for vision, consult a doctor to make sure that he is safe for you and does not interact with other medicines that you take. The doctor can also help you determine which components you need and in what doses.
• Individual needs: Choose a dietary supplement that meets your individual needs and health status. For example, if you have dry eyes, you may need a dietary supplement with omega-3 fatty acids, and if you have a high risk of developing the VMD, you may need a dietary supplement with lutein and zeaxantin.

It is important to remember that dietary supplements for vision are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and regular examinations with an ophthalmologist. They should be used as an addition to other measures to maintain the health of the eyes.

Section 3: Scientific research and evidence base

The effectiveness of dietary supplement to improve vision is the subject of active scientific research. Despite the fact that some components of dietary supplements have demonstrated the potential for the health of the eyes in clinical trials, it is important to evaluate the evidence base critically and understand the restrictions of research.

3.1. Key research in the field of dietary supplements for vision:

• AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) и AREDS2: These are two major clinical studies sponsored by the US National Institute of Eye, which studied the influence of certain vitamins and minerals on the progression of age -related macular degeneration (VMD). AREDS showed that the combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc and copper can slow down the progression of VMD in people with an intermediate or late stage of the disease. Areds2 studied the effect of adding lutein and zeaxantin, as well as omega-3 fatty acids in the AREDS formula. The results showed that the replacement of beta-carotene with Luthein and Zeaksantin can be safer for smokers (beta-carotene is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer among smokers). The addition of omega-3 fatty acids did not bring additional benefits regarding the progression of the VMD.
• Studies on the influence of lutein and zeaxantin on vision: Numerous studies have shown that Luthein and Zeaxantin can improve the macular pigmented optical density (MPOD), which is a measure of the concentration of these carotenoids in the macula. A higher MPOD is associated with an improvement in visual function, especially in the conditions of bright light and when performing tasks requiring high spatial resolution. Some studies also showed that Luthein and Zeaxantin can improve vision in people with VMD and cataracts.
• Studies on the influence of omega-3 fatty acids on vision: Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can have a beneficial effect on dry eyes, improving the stability of the lacrimal film and reducing inflammation. Some studies also showed that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
• Studies on the influence of vitamins C and E on vision: Studies have shown that vitamins C and E can reduce the risk of cataracts and VMD. However, further research is needed to confirm these results.
• Studies on the influence of zinc on vision: Studies have shown that zinc can slow down the progression of the VMD. However, the use of zinc in high doses can lead to side effects, such as nausea and stomach disorder.

3.2. Restrictions on dietary supplements for vision:

It is important to consider restrictions on dietary supplements for vision when evaluating their effectiveness:

• Sample size: Many studies have a small sample size, which makes it difficult to obtain statistically significant results.
• Duration of research: Some studies have a short duration, which does not allow to evaluate the long -term effects of dietary supplements.
• Research methodology: The quality of research methodology can vary. Some studies do not use randomized controlled tests (RCTs), which are the gold standard of clinical studies.
• The bias of financing: Some studies are financed by dietary supplements, which can lead to prejudice results.
• Individual differences: The effect of dietary supplements can vary depending on the individual characteristics of a person, such as age, state of health, genetics and lifestyle.
• Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with other medicines that a person takes.

3.3. What do large medical organizations say?

Large medical organizations such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and National