Medically reviewed by Grace Zhang, MD — Written by Rachael Zimlich, RN, BSN
Key takeaways
• Maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels may help prevent or slow down macular degeneration due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can combat oxidative stress.
• Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a higher risk of macular degeneration in some studies, although this connection is not definitively proven, and vitamin D supplementation is not considered a primary treatment.
• Besides vitamin D, other nutrients like vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin are also crucial for supporting overall eye health.
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient for many areas of your health, including your eyes.
There are very few natural food sources for vitamin D, so it’s important to know how much you need and how to ensure you’re getting enough.
Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in adults. It typically affects older adults.
This article explores vitamin D’s effects on eye health, whether it can help treat or prevent macular degeneration, and what other treatments exist for this progressive eye condition.
Can vitamin D help with macular degeneration?
It’s possible that having adequate vitamin levels in your body may help prevent or slow macular degeneration. This may be because macular degeneration is associated with oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress refers to damage caused by having an imbalance in the body between unstable molecules and the antioxidants that neutralize them. Too much oxidative stress can cause damage to cells in your body, including those responsible for vision.
Vitamin D has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help offset the oxidative stress that causes macular degeneration.
Vitamin D is made mostly in the skin after sun exposure. It helps move vital nutrients and minerals throughout the body. Vitamin D can also help with wound healing and support tissue health.
Source: Healthline