Antioxidants. We hear that word often these days. Usually in the context of health and nutrition. We know they are good. We are supposed to take in lots of them. But do we know why? Do we know what they do, or what they even are? In my line of work, I get asked these questions often. So, let’s take the mystery out of it so that we can understand why they are so important in our lives. It may even be a surprise to learn how crucial they are to your EYES!
“ANTI”–oxidants combat or remove oxidants (compounds that oxidize) from our systems. They are responsible for rust and that nasty brown color on an apple after it’s left exposed to the air. This process is oxidation. Cells metabolize oxygen to produce energy (good), but this results in oxidants (also known as free radicals). These harmful compounds, if allowed to build up in quantity, can cause major damage to cells and their ability to function properly.
How do we cope with the damage? Helpful scavenger compounds donate electrons to these free radicals, which then neutralizes them and prevents them causing harm. These scavengers are called antioxidants and their role is crucial to cellular health in everyone.
This process is especially true in our eyes because they are exposed to higher levels of oxidative stress and increased metabolic activity. Toxic substances such as smog, cigarette smoke, and ultraviolet light increase free radical production. That means more oxidation! Antioxidants work synergistically to protect the eyes and recent studies have shown that low levels of them is correlated with increased risk of ocular disease. In other words, we need them even more for good eye health!
Vitamin C at Work in the Eye Fluid
In the eye, damage from oxidation plays a role in cataract formation, glaucoma, age related macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome. That is why the eye is rich in a very common antioxidant, vitamin C. The fluid within our eyes contains 15 times greater concentration of vitamin C than in the rest of the body, suggesting that vitamin C may protect against harmful factors within the eye, where oxidative stress is at a maximum. Therefore, all of my patients with early signs of these eye problems receive counseling about the importance of antioxidants, in particular, vitamin C. Guided supplementation and dietary recommendations follow this. The goal is to provide the eye and its cells with enough power to resist the damage caused by ultraviolet light and oxidative stress and ultimately, prevent protein damage.
Stay tuned in the coming to read about other fundamental vitamins, foods, herbs, and of course antioxidants, and how they play a role in keeping you and your eyes healthy.
An Antioxidant Packed Smoothie to Make at Home
Dr. Neda Gioia makes delicious, nutrient dense smoothies every other week focused on overall wellness with a special focus on eye health. Below is our Eye Foods & Antioxidant Smoothie — an easy way for you to increase your eye carotenoid intake.
Dr. Neda Gioia is a licensed optometrist with certification through Functional Medicine University and a current CNS® candidate. She is a fellow of the Ocular Wellness Society, a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine and has been featured in Review of Optometry and Women in Optometry. She is the owner and founder of Integrative Vision Corp., in Shrewsbury, NJ. Currently accepting new adult and pediatric patients 732-389-2792, integrativevision.com
