Vitamin C Important for Eye Health

Recent research reports that vitamin C enhances eye health. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin important for several physiological processes, including synthesis of collagen, neurotransmitters, carnitine and bile acids. Additionally, it protects cells and molecules from oxidative stress caused by free radicals in the body.

The subjects included 5,638 adults age 60 years or older. The subjects were evaluated for lifestyle factors, such as diet, alcohol intake, tobacco use, work and cooking fuel. The subjects underwent an eye exam to evaluate the lens of the eye, which focuses light on the retina for clear vision. Blood samples were also taken to assess antioxidant levels.

The study found that vitamin C levels were related to healthy, clear lenses. As serum vitamin C levels increased, the likelihood of healthy, clear lenses increased. In fact, the individuals with the highest serum vitamin C levels had an increased likelihood of having healthy, clear lenses compared to the subjects with the lowest serum vitamin C levels.

Even after accounting for levels of other antioxidants including lutein, zeaxanthin, retinol, beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C was still significantly associated with healthy, clear lenses. Similarly, the antioxidants lutein, zeaxanthin and retinol were also related to lens health. As these antioxidants increased, the likelihood of clear, healthy lenses also increased.

The study authors stated that this study shows a strong association with vitamin C and lens health in the eye in a vitamin C-depleted population.

Reference:

Ravindran RD, Vashist P, Gupta SK, Young IS, Maraini G, Camparini M, Jayanthi R, John N, Fitzpatrick KE, Chakravarthy U, Ravilla TD, Fletcher AE. Inverse Association of Vitamin C with Cataract in Older People in India. Ophthalmology. 2011 Jun 25. Published Online Ahead of Print.