The eye benefits of Vitamin A!

When it comes to our body health and getting into shape, we always follow a healthy diet and try to eat nutritious food. Same goes for our eye health as well! Our eyes also need nutrition to function properly, and Vitamin A is very critical to maintaining a good vision (in both kids & adults). In fact, according to UNICEF, Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness.

What are the benefits of Vitamin A for eyes?

Vitamin A, a fat soluble vitamin, is found in many supplements and foods. Outlined are the major eye benefits of Vitamin A:

• It supports the healthy functioning of conjunctival membranes that cover a part of the front surface of the eye
• Vitamin A helps in producing moisture in your eyes which keeps them lubricated and helps in avoiding dry eye problems
• It is also important for the formation of photoreceptor rhodopsin, which is found in the retina and allows you to see in low light conditions or during night; Vitamin A deficiency stops the production of photoreceptor rhodopsin which also leads to night blindness
• Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining a clear vision by supporting smooth functioning of the cornea, the protective outer layer of the eye
• It boosts the immune system and helps in soothing eye inflammation and also decreases the chances of developing eye infections & afflictions
• Rich Vitamin A diet reduces the risk of developing cataract, vision loss, myopia and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

There are ample benefits of Vitamin A for eyes, but it is also critical to understand that deficiency of this vitamin can also lead to serious eye problems like:

• Night Blindness
• Xerophthalmia
• Vision Loss
• Conjunctival Xerosis
• Bitot’s Spots
• Corneal Xerosis
• Corneal Ulcer
• Corneal Scarring

How to go for a rich Vitamin A diet?

We now know the importance of Vitamin A in our diet. Now, let us look at some of the food options that are a high source of Vitamin A.

Animal Derived Food:

• Liver & Cod Liver Oil
• Dairy Products (Milk, Butter, etc.)
• Fish (Salmon, Tuna, King Mackerel, etc.)
• Cheese (Goat, Cheddar, Limburger, etc.)
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Caviar

Vegetarian Food:

• Orange Vegetables (Carrots, Sweet Potatoes & pumpkin)
• Green Leafy Vegetables (Spinach, Collard Greens, Kale & Lettuce)
• Bell Peppers
• Broccoli
• Cantaloupe

Can high consumption of Vitamin A cause problems?

Although Vitamin A has many benefits for our body, especially eyes, it can get accumulated in the liver and can be harmful or toxic if taken in excessive amounts. Long term, high consumption of Vitamin A can lead to many problems like vision & skin changes, swelling of the bones, dry/rough skin, mouth ulcers, hair loss, etc.

So it’s important to get proper advice from the doctor in case you want to increase your Vitamin A diet or want to add supplements for the same.

How Centre for Sight can help?

Given the importance & risks associated with consumption of Vitamin A for eyes, it is always advisable to get a regular eye checkup or consult an eye doctor if you’re facing eye problems due to the deficiency of Vitamin A. Centre for Sight has a dedicated team of highly experienced eye doctors across India, offering specialized eye care and honest clinical opinion. With advanced diagnostic technology and best-in-class equipment, CFS aims to provide personalized eye care to all.

Article: The eye benefits of Vitamin A!
Author: CFS Editorial Team   |   Dec 12 2020 | UPDATED 05:10 IST

*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.