Vitamin D And Your Eyesight

It seems like Vitamin D has been in the limelight lately for a wide range of benefits--everything from increasing bone health to boosting mood. A new study shows that a higher intake of Vitamin D can also help seniors protect their eyesight – especially when it comes to halting the progression of macular degeneration.   Macular degeneration is a condition that affects older adults and results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field because of damage to the retina. It’s estimated that more than10 million Americans over fifty have the condition, which can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces, although enough peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily life.  Now vitamin D may have come to the rescue.   The new study, published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, reported that women over seventy who had the highest levels of vitamin D (found in oily fish, eggs, leafy vegetables and dietary supplements) were nearly 60 per cent less likely to contract age-related macular degeneration. The study also concluded that just getting sunlight, another source of vitamin D, is not enough.    The reason Vitamin D works: Scientists believe it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help stop the eyes from being damaged.  But speak with your doctor first before taking supplements. Ironically, some studies have shown that taking too high a dose of Vitamin D may weaken bones.    Robin Westen is ThirdAge’s medical reporter. Check for her daily updates.   See what others have to say about this story or leave a comment of your own.