Vision vitamins are an important component of our everyday diet. Apart from the vitamin A which is widely known for its important properties, there are many others that play a central role in maintaining good eyesight. These nutritional elements include vitamin B6 and C and others such as selenium, zinc and magnesium among others. There are many different types of foods that contain many of these elements in different combinations. Examples include green leafy vegetables, oranges, carrots and pumpkins among others.
We will look at vitamin A in detail and understand what it is that it does at cellular level. Research has revealed to us that this vitamin is very important in the synthesis of a pigment known as rhodopsin. This pigment is found in high amounts on the retina which acts as a screen on which images from the environment are formed. Adequate levels of rhodopsin are needed to help one see better in dim light.
It is important to mention that vitamin A is made up of several components and is not one unit as is believed by many. The different components are made up of hydrocarbon molecules that are unsaturated. They include molecules such as carotenoids, retinol and retinal. Beta carotene is the most important carotene that has been identified yet. When retinal combines with a protein called opsin, the result is the molecule rhodopsin.
A deficiency in vitamin A may lead to various eye problems ranging from mild, moderate to severe manifestation depending on the chronicity of the deficiency. Lack of this crucial vitamin can either be primary or secondary. A primary deficiency is due inadequate intake of either provitamin A carotenoids (vegetables and fruits) or the preformed vitamin from dairy and animal products. This is the commoner form.
Secondary deficiency may be seen in a number of circumstances. For instance, it is seen when there is malabsorption of the vitamin. This frequently occurs when there is decreased uptake of lipids and reduced release of bile. The vitamin requires fat to dissolve and a deficiency of the fats will therefore result in decreased absorption. Other risk factors for the same include prolonged smoking and alcohol intake.
One of the most initial manifestations of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness. This refers to impaired scotopic vision. With time, the condition may worsen and changes such as drying of the conjunctiva may occur. This happens because the normal tear secreting system is replaced by keratinisation. This is accompanied by formation of keratin plaques in the cornea which eventually gets eroded as more keratinisation leading to complete blindness.
Vitamins C and B6 play a minor role but are still very important. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the eye against the effects of irradiation. It also maintains capillary and collagen integrity and normal pressure. B6 vitamin ensures that the red cell structure is intact and this in turn contributes to proper functioning of the retina. The mineral zinc is involved in the conversion of beta carotene to active vitamin A.
The truth is that it is not possible to take all the vision vitamins on a daily basis. What is important is to ensure that one takes them as many times as possible within the week. Intake is determined by factors such as sex, age, pregnancy and lactation. Excessive of the vitamins may cause toxicity and due caution is, therefore, advised.
We will look at vitamin A in detail and understand what it is that it does at cellular level. Research has revealed to us that this vitamin is very important in the synthesis of a pigment known as rhodopsin. This pigment is found in high amounts on the retina which acts as a screen on which images from the environment are formed. Adequate levels of rhodopsin are needed to help one see better in dim light.
It is important to mention that vitamin A is made up of several components and is not one unit as is believed by many. The different components are made up of hydrocarbon molecules that are unsaturated. They include molecules such as carotenoids, retinol and retinal. Beta carotene is the most important carotene that has been identified yet. When retinal combines with a protein called opsin, the result is the molecule rhodopsin.
A deficiency in vitamin A may lead to various eye problems ranging from mild, moderate to severe manifestation depending on the chronicity of the deficiency. Lack of this crucial vitamin can either be primary or secondary. A primary deficiency is due inadequate intake of either provitamin A carotenoids (vegetables and fruits) or the preformed vitamin from dairy and animal products. This is the commoner form.
Secondary deficiency may be seen in a number of circumstances. For instance, it is seen when there is malabsorption of the vitamin. This frequently occurs when there is decreased uptake of lipids and reduced release of bile. The vitamin requires fat to dissolve and a deficiency of the fats will therefore result in decreased absorption. Other risk factors for the same include prolonged smoking and alcohol intake.
One of the most initial manifestations of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness. This refers to impaired scotopic vision. With time, the condition may worsen and changes such as drying of the conjunctiva may occur. This happens because the normal tear secreting system is replaced by keratinisation. This is accompanied by formation of keratin plaques in the cornea which eventually gets eroded as more keratinisation leading to complete blindness.
Vitamins C and B6 play a minor role but are still very important. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the eye against the effects of irradiation. It also maintains capillary and collagen integrity and normal pressure. B6 vitamin ensures that the red cell structure is intact and this in turn contributes to proper functioning of the retina. The mineral zinc is involved in the conversion of beta carotene to active vitamin A.
The truth is that it is not possible to take all the vision vitamins on a daily basis. What is important is to ensure that one takes them as many times as possible within the week. Intake is determined by factors such as sex, age, pregnancy and lactation. Excessive of the vitamins may cause toxicity and due caution is, therefore, advised.
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