[Quick Questions and Answers] Can nutritional supplements really protect your eyesight?

Mother Li, who is nearly 60 years old, feels that she cannot see as clearly as before, but a vision test shows no immediate major problems. So her daughter bought lutein and fish oil for her to "nourish her eyes." Mother Li wants to ask: "Are these nutritional supplements effective?" Let's hear what the doctor says.

The gastrointestinal absorption of the elderly has become poorer, and nutritional supplements can be used to make up for the nutrients lacking during food intake.

【Quick Answers from Famous Doctors】

Dr. Dai Mingzheng, Director of the Vision Care Section of the Ophthalmology Department of the Tri-Service General Hospital, answered:

Young people can get enough nutrients through a balanced diet, but with aging, gastrointestinal absorption deteriorates and the number of nutrients that can be absorbed decreases. In addition, the eyes are damaged by ultraviolet rays for a long time, causing aging, and the protective effect also decreases. Supplementing some nutrients can indeed help the eyes of the elderly.

Lutein and fish oil are eye supplements trusted by many people. Although they are effective, they cannot prevent all eye diseases.

For example, lutein is somewhat effective in preventing age-related macular degeneration, but it is not very helpful for cataracts and glaucoma; fish oil is more helpful for dry eyes.

Under what circumstances are nutritional supplements necessary? It is one thing to do when you get older, or when your eyes start to show some changes, you can quickly supplement them. However, it should be reminded that dietary supplements are only one of the ways to protect your eyes. Avoiding long-term exposure to strong light, reducing tobacco and alcohol, exercising more, and maintaining a normal lifestyle must all be implemented simultaneously.

[Editor's reminder]: Eyes do need supplements, but it's not just food supplements that need to be taken. Other strengthening measures should also be taken to make your elders' eyes "sparkling". (Reporter Zhang Yawen)