Recent studies indicate that smokers who take certain antioxidant vitamins have a 30% higher risk of lung cancer. Smokers should consult their physicians before taking any vitamin supplements.
Food Sources of Vitamins and Minerals
Foods that contain high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin seem to offer the best concentrations of eye protective nutrients. These foods include dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, mustard, and collard greens. One can also find lutein and zeaxanthin in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as corn. Since many people do not find these vegetables especially appetizing, nutritional supplements offer an excellent alternative for obtaining these nutrients.
Our Recommendation For Vitamins
Dr. Stokol recommend the OculaRx brand multivitamin for their patients, as this formula includes the carotenoids mentioned above, as well as many other micronutrients that are proven to be beneficial. OculaRx also contains therapeutic doses of vitamins A, C, D, E, B-complex, Biotin, Folic Acid, and N-Acetyl Cyseine. It also has the following minerals: Selenium, Copper, Zinc, Chromium, Boron, Iodine, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, and Calcium.
Vitamins should not be taken on an empty stomach and must be taken on a daily basis. The dosage for OculaRx is two capsules with breakfast and two more with dinner. It is advisable to begin with a lesser dosage and build up to four capsules per day after two weeks. OculaRx is not available in stores, but can be purchased at our office or via direct shipment from ScienceBased Health.
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Antioxidant vitamins have shown in many studies to be very beneficial not only for one’s general health, but also for one’s eyes. Degenerative eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and even glaucoma have been shown to have slower progression in patients maintaining high levels of antioxidants and minerals. Research also indicates carotenoids may be beneficial in preventing and treating eye diseases. Xanthophyll carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin are eye specific nutrients found in the macula, which give the retinal pigment its characteristic yellow color. These nutrients have been shown to prevent harmful oxidation to the retina that often result from ultraviolet exposure, dietary deficiencies, lack of exercise, smoking, and stress.
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