While taking a general vitamin will promote health throughout your body, choosing supplements based on the specific symptoms that you are experiencing is key to promoting your general well-being. Thus, if you are having vision problems, you have chronic dry eyes, or you simply want to avoid or mitigate vision problems that run in your family, you need to choose supplements that will address specifically the symptoms you have or want to avoid. 

Dry Eyes and Omega 3s

If you suffer from chronic dry and red eyes, then you need to look for supplements that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids. The most convenient way to get fatty acids that your body will actually use is to consume fish oils whether in liquid form or in capsules. On the other hand, if you don't like fish oils for whatever reason—the fishy aftertaste that comes with some supplements or your commitment to a vegan lifestyle—you can still get results by consuming flax seeds or flax seed oils. 

Preventing Macular Degeneration and Cataracts

If you have family members who have suffered from macular degeneration or cataracts, then you have to know that you are at a higher risk of developing these same conditions. Taking certain vitamins, however, can help to reduce your risk. For example, if you take vitamin supplements that contain high levels of vitamins E, C, and A as well as zinc, you can reduce your risk of developing cataracts by up to 60%. It is important to note, however, that these benefits stem from extended use of vitamins rather than taking them sporadically or only for a few months. Furthermore, the natural forms of vitamin E are more helpful in promoting eye health than synthetic forms, so working a high number of nuts and seeds into your diet is also a good idea. 

Vitamin A

Although vitamin A was mentioned in the previous section, it deserves its own section. Vitamin A is invaluable in promoting eye health. You can get directly usable forms of vitamin A from beef, cheese, and milk or the precursor to vitamin A from cantaloupe, carrots, and kale. If you suffer from dry eyes, purchasing eyedrops that contain vitamin A might be just what you need. 

If you need more information about what supplements you should take to promote eye health, you should talk to a vision professional, such as those at Macuhealth, about specific supplements that you might find helpful.