Eye Health: Top 8 Vitamins for Blurry Vision

Blurry vision is when people or objects don’t appear sharp or clear in your eyes. Some people have blurry vision in one eye, but others have both eyes affected. Blurry vision isn’t uncommon; many people face this problem at one point or another in their lifetime. However, it’s possible to manage this issue and improve overall eye health. This post focuses on eye vitamins for blurry vision, so you can adjust your diet and supplement intake accordingly.

What is eye health?

The term eye health^[1] refers to the maximized overall functioning and well-being of the eyes. It involves several aspects of ocular care, including the prevention of eye diseases, maintaining good vision, and addressing visual issues. Maximized well-being and functioning of the eyes contribute to overall health, social inclusion, and quality of life. According to the CDC^[2], 12 million people aged 40 years and older in the U.S. have visual impairment.

The importance of eye health

Eye health is essential due to its direct link to quality of life. Your eyes allow you to perceive the world, engage in everyday activities, and connect with others. Your eyes also keep your brain healthy. For example, people with untreated visual impairments are more likely^[3] to develop dementia. Impaired senses, such as sight, could lead to confusion and cognitive decline.

What are the four common eye problems?

People develop blurred vision and headaches, alongside other symptoms, due to various eye problems. The most common eye problems are:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): An eye disease that blurs central vision, making it challenging to read, recognize faces, or drive. AMD occurs when the aging process damages the macula, the part of the eye that regulates sharp and straight-ahead vision. In 2019, around 19.8 million^[4] (12.6%) of Americans older than 40 were living with AMD.

• Cataract: a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can cause blurry vision. People develop cataracts due to aging or injury that changes the tissue that makes up the eye lens.

• Diabetic retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that affects blood vessels in the retina. Excessive blood sugar levels cause blockage of blood vessels that nourish the retina and cut off its blood supply. This leads to blurry and fluctuating vision and vision changes.
• Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that result in optic nerve damage and vision loss. It is usually linked to high intraocular pressure^[5]. Blurred vision and headache are common symptoms of glaucoma. The patients also experience eye pain, nausea, and vomiting.

The 8 most important vitamins for eye health

Since eye health is precious, it’s important to take care of it properly. Below, we’re going to focus on the best eye vitamins for blurry vision.

1. Vitamin A

Of all eye vitamins for blurry vision, vitamin A is probably the most important. Deficiency in this vitamin can harm both the cornea and retina because vitamin A is necessary for their functioning. This can lead to problems such as blurry vision. Evidence confirms^[6] that ocular disturbances are the biggest sign of vitamin A imbalances. The main source of vitamin A in the human diet is beta carotene, which you can find in yellow, orange, and green leafy fruits and vegetables.

2. Vitamin E

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects cells, including those in your eyes, from free radicals and oxidative stress. One study found^[7] that vitamin E supplementation reduced the risk of age-related cataracts. By keeping vitamin levels in balance, it’s possible to avoid problems such as pressure behind the eyes. Good sources of vitamin E are almonds, peanuts, asparagus, and sunflower seeds.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the best eye vitamins for blurry vision because it exhibits antioxidant properties. This vitamin helps maintain the health of blood vessels in the eyes, thereby lowering the risk of cataracts and AMD. In one study, the subjects who consumed more vitamin C had a 33% reduction^[8] in the risk of progression of their cataracts. Good sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, broccoli, berries, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers, and papaya.

4. Vitamins B6, B9, and B12

B-complex vitamins are crucial for keeping blood vessels in the eyes healthy. As a result, supplementation with these vitamins can lower the risk of age-related eye conditions. Sufficient levels of vitamin B12^[9], for example, can reduce eye burning associated with dry eyes. This can also help prevent or manage blurry eyes.

5. Riboflavin

Did you know that riboflavin is also a B vitamin? It’s a vitamin that helps your body convert both folate and vitamin B6 into specific forms that can be used. Riboflavin also plays a role in the production of red blood cells, which are a critical part of your blood circulatory system.

6. Niacin

When it comes to niacin, it’s one of those multifunctional nutrients, and it can help with LDL cholesterol. As you might know already, high cholesterol is not good for your eyes. It reduces how much VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) your liver makes. Researchers have also found^[10] that there is a release of certain molecules, known as prostaglandin PGD2, following the intake of niacin. These results hold potential for various types of vision problems, including age-related macular degeneration.

7. Lutein and Zeaxanthin

This combination is known as antioxidants – and they’re quite powerful too. They help your body fight against free radicals, which are molecules that cause oxidative stress. This type of damage can happen to any part of your body, including the eyes.

8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

You’ve heard that fatty fish is good for you, right? By increasing how much omega-3 fatty acids you get, your risk of glaucoma, dry eyes, and macular degeneration decreases. It has also been found that these fatty acids help to manage some symptoms associated with eye-related conditions.

Protect your Eyes

When it comes to preventing blurry vision, you have to make sure to protect your eyes. There are a couple of things that you can do to keep your eyes healthy and protected throughout the day.

• Wear sunglasses: While outside, wear sunglasses that have UV protectant lenses.
• Wear protective eyewear: When you work in front of a computer, wear blue light-blocking glasses. If you’re in the construction business, get yourself a pair of protective goggles.
• Give your eyes a rest: Try to limit how long you keep your eyes on a screen. Take breaks regularly and ensure you get enough sleep, as this also gives your eyes a chance to rest.
• If you wear contacts, take steps to prevent eye infections: Use eyedrops that moisturize your eyes, and make sure to take your contacts out before you go to sleep.

Summary

Blurry vision isn’t an uncommon problem. While it’s more common in older people, it can affect anyone. Age-related degeneration is often the reason, but there are other causes as well. Taking the right eye vitamins for blurry vision can help improve your eye health and even prevent further problems.