Nutrition and the aging eye

Abstract

There is growing interest in the role of nutrition in modifying the development and/or progression of vision disorders in older persons. Eye diseases of particular interest are agerelated cataract and macular degeneration. Deficiencies of certain nutrients can result in visual impairment or blindness. This review evaluates the role of dietary components in the prevention of onset or progression of ocular diseases in older adults. The nutrients of interest are vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. The evidence to date points to beneficial effects of these key nutrient, however, it is not entirely consistent regarding the doses and combinations of nutrients which provide the optimal beneficial effects. It may be most practical to recommend specific food choices rich in vitamin C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, which may also provide additional benefits from other components from these food sources.