Symptoms of eye vitamins deficiency

Symptoms of deficiency of vitamins for the eyes: detailed guide

The disadvantage of vitamins is a common problem that can have a significant effect on the health of the eyes. Our eyes, constantly exposed to light, need enough certain nutrients to maintain optimal function, protect against damage and prevent the development of age -related diseases. In this article, we will examine in detail the symptoms associated with a deficiency of various vitamins necessary for the health of the eyes, as well as examine the possible causes, diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Vitamin A: A guardian of vision and health of the cornea

Vitamin A plays a key role in maintaining normal vision, especially in conditions of low illumination. It is also necessary for the health of the cornea – a transparent outer shell of the eye. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a number of serious vision problems.

• Chicken blindness (Nicatalopia): This is perhaps the most famous symptom of vitamin A. people with chicken blindness experience difficulties with adaptation to darkness and poor visibility at dusk or at night. The mechanism is due to the fact that vitamin A is a component of rhodopsin – a photosensitive pigment necessary for the functioning of sticks – photoreceptor cells responsible for vision in low light conditions. The deficiency of vitamin A leads to a decrease in the level of rhodopsin, which complicates the normal functioning of the sticks.

• Xerophthalmia: This term describes the condition characterized by dry eyes caused by a deficiency of vitamin A. The xerophthalmia develops in several stages:

  • Xerosis conjunctiva: The conjunctiva is a thin transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Xerosis conjunctiva is characterized by dryness, roughness and loss of shine of conjunctiva. Eyes can look matte and dull.
  • Rogovitsa xerosis: The cornea becomes dry, opaque and vulnerable to damage. Patients can experience pain, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and clouding of vision.
  • Bito spots: These are characteristic grayish-white spots that appear on the conjunctiva. They are accumulations of keratin and dead epithelium cells caused by a violation of normal cell renovation due to vitamin A. deficiency
  • The softening of the cornea (keratomulation): This is the most severe stage of xerophthalmia, characterized by softening and thinning of the cornea. Keratomulation can lead to perforation of the cornea, infection and blindness.

• Violation of tear formation: Vitamin A is necessary for the normal function of the lacrimal glands. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to a decrease in the production of tears, which exacerbates dry eyes and increases the risk of infections.

• Increased susceptibility to infections: Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining the immune system. Vitamin A deficiency weakens immune protection, making the eyes more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.

Causes of vitamin A deficiency:

• Insufficient consumption with food: This is the most common cause of vitamin A deficiency, especially in developing countries where the diet often consists of products with a low vitamin A.
• Distribution of absorption: Some diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and cystic fibrosis, may disrupt the absorption of vitamin A from food.
• Liver diseases: The liver plays a key role in the storage and metabolism of vitamin A. Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, can lead to a deficiency of vitamin A.
• Zinc Deficit: Zinc is necessary for vitamin A transport from the liver to other fabrics. Zinc deficiency can aggravate vitamin A. deficiency

Vitamin C: Powerful antioxidant for lens and retina

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that protects the eyes from damage to free radicals. It is especially important for the health of the lens and retina.

• Cataract: Studies show that vitamin C can play a role in the prevention of cataracts – clouding of the lens of the eye. Vitamin C helps to protect the lens from oxidative stress, which is one of the main risk factors for the development of cataracts. The low level of vitamin C in the lens is associated with an increased risk of cataract development.

• Age macular degeneration (VMD): VMD is a leading cause of loss of vision in people over 50 years old. Vitamin C, in combination with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, zinc and beta-carotene, can slow down the progression of the EMD. Antioxidants help protect the retina from damage by free radicals, which play a role in the development of the VMD.

• Damage to the vessels of the retina: Vitamin C strengthens the walls of blood vessels, including small retinal vessels. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to weaknesses of blood vessels and increased permeability, which can contribute to hemorrhages in the retina and other vascular problems.

• Dry eye syndrome: Vitamin C can help improve tears and reduce inflammation with dry eye syndrome. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C help protect the cells of the lacrimal glands from damage.

Causes of vitamin C deficiency:

• Insufficient consumption with food: Vitamin C is mainly contained in fruits and vegetables. Insufficient consumption of these products can lead to deficiency of vitamin C.
• Smoking: Smoking reduces the level of vitamin C in the body, as it is used to neutralize free radicals formed during smoking.
• Some diseases: Some diseases, such as diabetes and chronic inflammatory diseases, can increase the need for vitamin C.
• Distribution of absorption: Rare diseases affecting intestinal absorption can lead to vitamin C deficiency

Vitamin E: Protection of mesh membranes

Vitamin E is another important antioxidant that protects the eye cells from damage by free radicals. It is especially important for protecting membranes of retinal cells.

• AMD: Like vitamin C, vitamin E, in combination with other antioxidants, can slow down the progression of the VMD. It helps to protect the retinal cells from oxidative stress.

• Cataract: Vitamin E can also play a role in the prevention of cataracts, protecting the lens from oxidative damage.

• Retinopathy of premature babies (pH): PH is a disease that can affect premature children and lead to blindness. Vitamin E can help protect the retina from damage to pH.

• Damage to the optic nerve: Vitamin E can help protect the visual nerve from damage to glaucoma and other diseases.

Causes of vitamin E deficiency:

• Violation of fat absorption: Vitamin E is a fat -soluble vitamin, so violation of fat absorption can lead to its deficiency. This may be due to diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease.
• Rare genetic diseases: Some rare genetic diseases may disrupt vitamin E.’s metabolism
• Insufficient consumption with food: Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables. Insufficient consumption of these products can lead to deficiency of vitamin E.

B vitamins B: Support for the nervous system and optic nerve

B vitamins play an important role in the functioning of the nervous system, including the visual nerve. B vitamins deficiency can lead to various vision problems.

• Optical neuropathy: The deficiency of vitamin B12 (cobalamine) can lead to optical neuropathy – damage to the optic nerve. Symptoms of optical neuropathy include a decrease in visual acuity, impaired color vision and the appearance of cattle (blind spots) in the field of view.
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia): Vitamin B2 deficiency (riboflavin) can lead to photophobia.
• Muscle cramps of the eyelids (blepharospasm): The deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine) can contribute to the development of blepharospasm.
• Eye fatigue: B vitamins deficiency can cause general fatigue, which can also manifest itself in the form of eye fatigue.

Causes of deficiency of B vitamins B:

• Insufficient consumption with food: B vitamins are found in various products, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, whole grain products and vegetables. Restrictive diets or unbalanced nutrition can lead to a deficiency of vitamins of group B.
• Distribution of absorption: Some diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease and atrophic gastritis, may violate the absorption of B vitamins B.
• Reception of some drugs: Some drugs, such as metformin (drug for the treatment of diabetes), may disrupt the absorption of vitamin B12.
• Alcoholism: Alcohol violates the absorption and metabolism of many vitamins of group B.
• Vegetarianism and veganism: Strict vegetarians and vegans are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, since it is mainly found in animal products.

Luthein and Zeaksantin: Makula’s defenders

Luthein and Zeaksantin are carotenoids, which in high concentrations are contained in the Makula – the central part of the retina, responsible for acute vision. They act as antioxidants and filter harmful blue light, protecting the macula from damage.

• AMD: The low level of lutein and Zeaksanthin in the makul is associated with an increased risk of development of the VMD. An increase in the consumption of Luthein and Zeaxanthin can help slow down the progression of the VMD and reduce the risk of its development.
• Cataract: Luthein and Zeaksantin can also play a role in the prevention of cataracts, protecting the lens from oxidative damage.

Causes of deficiency of Luthein and Zeaksanthin:

• Insufficient consumption with food: Luthein and zeaxantin are found in green leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage), egg yolks and some fruits (oranges, kiwi). Insufficient consumption of these products can lead to a deficiency of lutein and zeaxantin.
• Low absorption: Some factors can affect the absorption of lutein and zeaxantin from food, such as age, smoking and genetic factors.

Omega-3 fatty acids: hydration and protection

Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, are important for the health of the eyes. They have anti -inflammatory properties and help maintain a healthy structure of retinal cells and tear glands.

• Dry eye syndrome: Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve tears and reduce inflammation with dry eye syndrome. They can also improve the quality of the lacrimal film, preventing its rapid evaporation.
• AMD: Some studies show that the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of VMD.
• Glaucoma: Omega-3 fatty acids can help protect the visual nerve from damage to glaucoma.

Causes of omega-3 deficiency of fatty acids:

• Insufficient consumption with food: Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), linen seeds, walnuts and chia seeds. Insufficient consumption of these products can lead to omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.
• High consumption of omega-6 fatty acids: High consumption of omega-6 fatty acids contained in vegetable oils (sunflower, corn) can compete with omega-3 fatty acids for enzymes necessary for their metabolism, which can aggravate omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.

Diagnostics and treatment of deficiency of vitamins for the eyes

Diagnosis of deficiency of vitamins for the eyes includes:

• Eye examination: The ophthalmologist will examine the eyes to identify signs of vitamin deficiency, such as dry eyes, bito stains, clouding of the cornea and changes on the retina.
• Blood test: A blood test can be carried out to determine the level of vitamins and minerals in the body.
• Power rating: The doctor can ask questions about your diet to identify possible shortcomings in the diet.

Treatment of deficiency of vitamins for the eyes includes:

• Change in the diet: An increase in the consumption of products rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of the eyes.
• Reception of vitamin additives: The doctor may recommend taking vitamin additives to replenish the deficit. It is important to take additives only on the recommendation of a doctor, since excessive consumption of some vitamins can be harmful.
• Treatment of the underlying disease: If the deficiency of vitamins is caused by any disease, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease.
• Artificial tears: With dry eyes, artificial tears can be recommended.

Conclusion

Symptoms of deficiency of vitamins for the eyes can be diverse and affect vision and general health of the eyes. It is important to pay attention to any changes in vision and contact an ophthalmologist for timely diagnosis and treatment. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of the eyes is a key factor in the prevention of vitamins deficiency and maintaining optimal vision for many years. Regular examinations of an ophthalmologist will help identify any problems at an early stage and prevent serious consequences.