Optometry Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Optometry, including details on myopia, optometric practice, therapy.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the developed world and their effect on the eye and vision.

Whatham A, Bartlett H, Eperjesi F, Blumenthal C, Allen J, Suttle C, Gaskin K

School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia, and Institute for Eye Research, Unviersity of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common in developing countries, but also occur in developed countries. We review micronutrient deficiencies for the major vitamins A, cobalamin (B(12)), biotin (vitamin H), vitamins C and E, as well as the minerals iron, and zinc, in the developed world, in terms of their relationship to systemic health and any resulting ocular disease and/or visual dysfunction. A knowledge of these effects is important as individuals with consequent poor ocular health and reduced visual function may present for ophthalmic care.

Published 18 January 2008 in Ophthalmic Physiol Opt, 28(1): 1-12.
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