Vitamin & Dietary Supplement - Health Tips

Exploring the Different Types of PureBulk Eye Care Supplements

February 08, 2024

Our eyes are intricate sensory organs that allow us to experience the beauty of our surroundings. Clear vision is essential for daily activities such as reading, writing, using electronic devices, and engaging in other visual tasks. Our safety and productivity also depend on maintaining healthy vision. Clear and comfortable eyesight enables us to complete tasks more effectively and with fewer errors. Impaired vision hinders our ability to perform tasks accurately and efficiently, ultimately reducing productivity. It also diminishes our ability to recognize hazards.

Beyond the functional aspects, eye health shares an intricate link with emotional well-being and confidence. Vision problems can prevent people from enjoying visual experiences, connecting with others, and participating in various activities. These challenges can lead to frustration, isolation, and poor self-esteem. Nurturing eye health is an investment in your long-term visual clarity, independence, and overall well-being. With clear eyesight, we can perceive the world vividly and enhance our ability to navigate it confidently, contributing to a fulfilling and enriching life experience. While eating a balanced diet is crucial, health supplements offer a proactive approach to eye care to help individuals safeguard their vision and maintain a high quality of life.

Will Eating Carrots Improve My Eyesight?

Carrots are undeniably good for your health. They’re rich in vitamins and antioxidants that support healthy vision. However, gorging yourself with carrots is far more likely to turn your skin orange temporarily than give you perfect vision. The belief that eating carrots improves vision comes from a combination of historical events, clever marketing, and some scientific truth. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision. It is also crucial for retina function and helps with low-light and color vision.

During World War II, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) spread a rumor that their pilots had superior night vision because of all the carrots they ate. The RAF’s misinformation campaign was part of a concerted effort to conceal the development and effectiveness of radar technology from the enemy. The public also heard the story, further cementing the association between carrots and good eyesight.

While carrots are indeed a healthy vegetable that provides essential nutrients for eye health, the idea that eating them improves vision drastically beyond normal levels is an exaggeration. A balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables, including those rich in vitamin A, contributes to overall eye health, but it won't give someone superhuman vision or allow them to see in the dark. [1, 2]

What Supplements Are Best for Eye Health According to Research?

Two significant, large-scale scientific studies identified several supplements that support eye health. These supplements provide essential nutrients that support various aspects of ocular function. The National Eye Institute (NEI) conducted the first Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) from 1992 through 2001. Researchers aimed to investigate how certain nutritional supplements affected the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts in older individuals. NEI carried out a subsequent investigation, AREDS2, spanning from 2006 to 2013 to expand upon the initial study. The AREDS findings significantly altered our understanding and management of eye health, particularly concerning age-related eye conditions.

The original AREDS found that a combination of high doses of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene) and zinc significantly reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD and vision loss in high-risk individuals. Building upon AREDS, the follow-up study evaluated the effects of various modifications to the original AREDS formulation, including eliminating beta-carotene and adding lutein and zeaxanthin. Researchers chose to remove beta-carotene amid worries about a potential connection between high beta-carotene intake and an elevated risk of lung cancer in smokers. However, follow-up research found no conclusive evidence supporting this association. AREDS2 also included copper to address concerns about a potential imbalance between zinc and copper levels, as high-dose zinc supplementation can lead to copper deficiency. The findings showed that this modified formulation was as effective as the original. [3 - 8]

The following is a breakdown of the AREDS and AREDS2 supplements and how they support eye health:

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the eyes. Free radicals are harmful compounds that cause oxidative stress and can damage eye health. Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties help maintain lens clarity and retinal well-being. It also works synergistically with Vitamin E to inhibit damage and inflammation in eye cells, which lowers the risk of developing age-related eye conditions. PureBulk carries several vitamin C supplements, including Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Powder, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C Ester) Powder, Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C) Powder, and Acerola Cherry Vitamin C Extract 25%. [3, 4, 9, 10]
Vitamin E. Vitamin E is another robust antioxidant that donates electrons to neutralize free radicals, a process that results in its oxidation. Vitamin C acts as a reducing agent to replenish the oxidized Vitamin E’s electrons and restore its optimal antioxidative state. The dynamic interplay maintains a continuous antioxidant activity cycle, ensuring ongoing protection for eye cells against oxidative damage. The combined efforts of vitamins C and E help sustain eye cells’ structural integrity and support overall visual function. PureBulk carries two vitamin E supplements in powder form: D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate Powder (Vitamin E), Acid Succinate Powder (Vitamin E). PureBulk also carries vitamin E in oil and capsule form: D-Alpha Tocopherol Oil (Vitamin E) and Vitamin E 400IU Softgels in MCT Oil. [3, 4, 9, 11, 12]
Beta-Carotene. Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A, a vital nutrient for long-term eye health. The body needs vitamin A to support retina function and form light-detecting receptors. Specifically, it is crucial for visual pigment production in the retina. These pigments allow us to see in low-light conditions and perceive different colors. Additionally, beta-carotene's antioxidant properties provide an extra layer of defense against oxidative damage to the eyes. [3, 4, 13, 14]
Zinc. Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is critical for maintaining eye health. It is a fundamental cofactor for converting retinol (a form of vitamin A) into active retinal, a crucial process for regenerating photopigments in the retina. These photopigments are indispensable for light detection. In low-light conditions, rhodopsin, the primary photopigment in rod cells, absorbs light, initiating a cascade of events that enables visual perception in dim lighting. In well-lit environments, cone cells with opsin photopigments respond to specific light wavelengths, allowing for color vision and detailed visual perception in normal lighting conditions. PureBulk carries several zinc supplements: zinc picolinate 20%, zinc ascorbate, zinc bis-glycinate, zinc gluconate, zinc l-aspartate (USA), zinc sulfate monohydrate, and zinc oxide. [3, 4, 15 - 18]
Zeaxanthin and Lutein. Zeaxanthin and lutein, both carotenoids, are crucial for maintaining eye health. They accumulate in high concentrations in the retina and exert antioxidant effects by neutralizing harmful free radicals that can lead to oxidative stress in the eyes. Additionally, zeaxanthin and lutein contribute to macular pigment formation. These pigments are a natural filter that protects the macula by absorbing high-energy light waves, such as blue light and ultraviolet rays. Zeaxanthin and lutein can also enhance visual performance, particularly in contrast sensitivity and glare reduction. Their cumulative effects make these carotenoids valuable in maintaining eye health and supporting optimal vision throughout life. PureBulk carries Marigold Flower Extract. Marigolds, specifically the Tagetes erecta flowers, are rich in zeaxanthin and lutein. [3, 4, 19 - 21]
Copper. Copper isn’t a traditional eye health supplement. However, AREDS2 included 2mg of copper to offset the risk of copper deficiency. The study used high doses of zinc, which may interfere with copper absorption. [3]

Additional Supplements for Eye Health

PureBulk carries several other supplements that support eye health.

Fish Oil. Fish Oil Softgels are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s, like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), accumulate in high concentrations in the retina. DHA makes the membranes of eye cells more flexible, helping them respond better to light in the retina. It also optimizes retinal integrity by enhancing membrane stability and fluidity. Omega-3s may particularly help individuals with dry eyes by boosting tear production and quality. [22 - 29]
Taurine. Taurine, an amino acid with antioxidant properties, promotes eye health by repairing oxidative stress damage in the retina. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic (cell-preserving) properties that alleviate visual fatigue by protecting the retina against stress damage. Additionally, taurine is an osmolyte that enhances eye cell resistance to damaging blue light waves. [30 - 33]
Pterostilbene. Pterostilbene is a natural compound derived from blueberries. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties comparable to resveratrol but with much better bioavailability. It provides dry eye relief by protecting the cornea against hyperosmolarity-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. Dry eye syndrome often causes the tear film to become hyperosmolar, meaning it has a higher concentration of salts and other solutes than usual. A solute imbalance can lead to inflammation, irritation, and damage to the ocular surface. [34 - 37]

Supplements can be helpful tools for supporting and maintaining optimal eye health. They provide nutrients like vitamins, antioxidants, and essential minerals that neutralize harmful free radicals and enhance our eyes’ structural integrity. From promoting membrane flexibility to alleviating oxidative stress, supplements offer a proactive approach to nurturing our ocular health. Incorporating these supplements into a balanced lifestyle enhances the functional aspects of our eyes and contributes to clearer and more vibrant vision, supporting a healthier and more fulfilling life.