Discount Vitamins For Healthy Eyesight

In the last ten or so years, the link between healthy eyesight and discount vitamins has grown tremendously. Many think eyesight begins and ends with whether glasses are needed for an individual or not. What we miss paying attention to are the types of diseases, infections and other eye health issues that can occur. Some of the most common types of eye conditions are the ones we hear about constantly.

* Glaucoma - Glaucoma is actually the name for a group of eye conditions. The optic nerve becomes damaged, usually due to too much eye pressure, or a weakness in the optic nerve. There are also different types of glaucoma, such as Chronic Glaucoma, Secondary Glaucoma, and Acute Glaucoma, with Chronic Glaucoma being the most common type.

* Cataract(s) - A cataract occurs when there is a "clouding" on the lens of an eye. Most people notice blurry vision and changes in color vision, but some with early cataracts many not notice any differences. This is one reason that a regular eye exam and preventatives such as discount vitamins and herbs are so important.

* Macular Degeneration - Also known as "Age-Related Macular Degeneration" or AMD, for short. This condition usually occurs later in life and while the exact causes are unclear, AMD has been associated to risk factors such as genetics, smoking, a lack of proper nutrition, and overexposure to sunlight.

* All of these eye conditions, as well as the ones not well-known, prevention is key. Discount vitamins can provide many of the nutrients that healthy eyesight require.

* Beta Carotene - One of the most commonly known supplements available. Everyone has heard the saying, "Eat your carrots for good eyesight." Carrots as well as cantaloupe contain beta carotene and are popular to obtain that needed boost of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is considered dangerous when digested excessively, but the way in which it is converted from beta carotene has shown to be safe.

* Vitamin C - Vitamin C is truly an all around protector. The benefits of taking a vitamin C supplement are never ending. It has been known to reduce the chance of cataracts and many doctors and specialists use Vitamin C as part of their cataract prevention programs. Vitamin C has proved to be more beneficial to women's eyes more than men's.

* Ginkgo Biloba - Ginkgo Biloba has been found to help treat the early stages of Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma. While Ginkgo has been used in China for hundreds of years, its uses have slowly come to light in the last several years.

* Suma Extract - Also known as "Brazilian Ginseng" to many. Found in South America, it has commonly been used as an immune system booster, but has recently been found to help with the eye condition Amblyopia or "Lazy Eye." Amblyopia is the term for weak vision that even when attempts are made to correct the vision, it is still weak.

* Vitamin B2 & B3 - These vitamins are an antioxidant for the eyes and protect glutathione in the eye. In studies conducted in the last few years, Cataracts have been linked to a Vitamin B2 deficiency in the body. Vitamin B2 can be commonly found in red meat or mushrooms, producing red blood cells.

* Lutein & Zeaxanthin - The benefits of these supplements were found back in 1994, and have since then proved to be one of the most helpful in eye disease prevention. In 1994, the National Eye Institute, also known as NEI, conducted a story that found that eating foods that contain carotenoids actually help reduce the risk of Macular Degeneration. In 1999, the National Eye Institute conducted another similar study, known as the Beaver Dam Study. It found a lower risk of cataracts in people whose diet was higher in Lutein and Zeaxanthin. It wasn't until 2001 that these supplements helped to reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration. Carotenoids can be found primarily in leafy, dark green vegetables such as spinach or collard greens.

* Bilberry - Bilberry is closely related to the blueberry family and can typically be found in Ireland or Scotland. The fruit contains flavonoids, which protect the lens and the retina. Bilberry has been found to improve night vision and to reduce or reverse macular degeneration. Bilberries were used by pilots in World War II for the benefits to night vision and led to the discovery of its other medicinal benefits. The leaves of the bilberry are also useful and are usually found in certain teas.

* Vitamin E - Vitamin E is beneficial for both the eyes and the lungs. For the eyes, the supplement has shown that when taken regularly, it can reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration. The combination of both Vitamin E and Beta Carotene has shown to reduce the risk of eye disease even more.

* It is common knowledge that discount vitamins as well as good nutrition can help in the continuance of a healthy body and mind. Whether starting early in life or late in life, these vitamins can help to reduce the risk of eye disease, and for some help to treat it. A visit to the doctor is the first step in learning more and is especially important if other medications are being taken. Drug interactions can be dangerous and can be prevented by talking with your doctor before taking any discount vitamins or herbs. Healthy eyesight is possible with discount vitamins.