Studies reveal that certain important nutrients and antioxidants may reduce your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Some of these antioxidants even provide additional benefits, such as vitamin C playing a role in preventing glaucoma and vitamin A protecting against blindness. Incorporating the following vitamins and micronutrients in your diet may protect your eyes from disease. In the list, IU = International Unit, mg = milligram, and mcg = microgram (1/1000 of an mg).

1. Vitamin A – Good sources of vitamin A include eggs, milk, butter, and beef or chicken liver. Its recommended daily allowance is 3,000 IU for men and 2,333 IU for women. Pregnant women need 2567 IU, and breastfeeding women need 4,333 IU. Vitamin A provide protection against night blindness or dry eyes. Talk to our optometrist in Granger, IN, for more information.

2. Vitamin C – Vitamin C may reduce your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. You can get vitamin C from red and green sweet peppers, strawberries, cantaloupe, oranges, broccoli, and kale. Its recommended daily allowance is 90 mg for men and 70 mg for women. Pregnant women need 85 mg and breast-feeding women need 120 mg.

3. Vitamin D – The best source for vitamin D is exposure to sunlight for a few minutes each day. Before going out to the sun, eye doctors in Granger, IN, recommend using sunglasses. Vitamin D may reduce the risk of macular degeneration. You can also get Vitamin D from milk, salmon, mackerel, and sardines.

4. Bioflavonoids (Flavonoids) – Bioflavonoids may protect against macular degeneration and cataracts. There’s no recommended daily allowance, but you can find it in citrus fruits, tea, red wine, cherries, soy products, blueberries, and legumes.

5. Beta-carotene – As a top provider of eye care and contact lenses in Three Rivers, MI, we recommend taking beta-carotene in combination with zinc and vitamins C and E. This mayreduce the progression of macular degeneration. Good sources of beta-carotene include carrots, kale, butternut squash, sweet potato, and spinach.

If you plan to begin a regimen of these eye vitamins and nutrients, then make sure to discuss it with our eye doctors. Southwest Vision Center can provide additional information on their benefits and recommend the right program for you. We are a client-centered practice and your satisfaction is our top priority. Give us a call to learn more about eye nutrition or to schedule an appointment.

Operating Hours

 Edwardsburg

9:00am – 6:00pm Monday
8:00am – 5:00pm Tuesday – Thursday
8:00am – 1:00pm  Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Three Rivers
9:00am – 6:00pm Monday
8:00am – 5:00pm Tuesday – Thursday
8:00am – 1:00pm Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Dowagiac
8:00am – 5:00pm Monday
9:00am – 6:00pm Tuesday
8:00am – 5:00pm Wednesday
8:00am – 5:00pm Thursday
8:00am – 1:00pm Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday