Vitamin C and Eye Health

The fact that the concentration of vitamin C in the fluid of the eye is about 25 times higher the concentration in the serum, and  in intraocular lenses even up to 50 times higher, could be considered as an indication of an increased intake of vitamin C to protect the eyes…

• Protection of sensitive sulpho-hydroxyl group of proteins in the eye lens from oxidation;

• role in the synthesis of collagen and other structures of the eye lens;

• Stimulation of the immune system;

• Protecting the lens from harmful radiation;

• Maintaining the integrity of the membrane that regulate the transport of nutrients and ions into the lens.

Macular degeneration is the most common cause of visual loss, and if untreated can result in blindness. In Western countries, macular degeneration affects over 25% of people older than 75 years. The causes of this disease are not completely understood, but for now it is known that the macular cells, sensitive to light, eventually degenerate. Risk factors related to macular degeneration include smoking, exposure to sunlight, obesity and high cholesterol levels. A high intake of vitamin C and other antioxidants can slow the degenerative processes in the retina of the eye.

The term cataract was first used by an Arab ocular priest Constantinus Africanus, in 1018. He translated an Arabic word which means “overflowing” into Latin “cataracta” which means “something poured under something”, “slap”. He thought that blurred vision was a result of a thin film that falls like water over eyes. Today it is known that cataract is not a film but turbidity, hardness and loss of elasticity of lenses. Cataract is associated with atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels in the eye, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, exposure to sunlight and other harmful radiation, heavy metal poisoning, trauma, poor diet and aging. The cataract is expected to develop in more than 50% of people older than 60 years. Aging is accompanied by changes in the structures of proteins of ocular lens causing the lens to lose its transparency. Also, decreased levels of vitamin C, which is characteristic of old age, contribute to increased incidence of cataracts in the third age. Several studies showed that intake of high doses (1000 mg / day) of vitamin C can prevent the development of cataracts, and even repair already caused damages of ocular lens. The study, which in this context the most commonly cited study, was conducted at Harvard Medical School, Boston, when 50 828 women were tested. The results showed that women who have the highest intake of vitamin C in their diet, and that more than 10 years took supplements of vitamin C have even 45% lower risk of developing cataracts compared to women whose intake of vitamin C was significantly lower.

Elevated intraocular pressure is the result of impracticability of the ducts through which eye fluid carries antioxidants to the inner eye. When the ducts are obstructed, the pressure in the eye increases and acts on the peripheral nerve cells interfering with the eye sight. It is believed that vitamin C prevents glaucoma ensuring adequate synthesis of collagen and flow of the ducts.

Dry eye, resulting in irritation, redness and itching, is a very unpleasant occurrence. It often occurs in women, especially those who have problems with dry skin and brittle nails. According to studies, vitamin C in doses of 350-1000 mg / day in combination with essential fatty acids and vitamin B6 improves tear production and thus eases the symptoms of this disease.

Taken from: www.plivazdravlje.hr