International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

Which vitamin is crucial for eye health and preventing night blindness?

1. Vitamin A

2. Vitamin C

3. Vitamin D

4. Vitamin E

The correct answer is: Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining eye health and is essential for good vision, particularly in low-light conditions. One of its key functions is in the formation of rhodopsin, a pigment found in the retina that is critical for seeing in dim light. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to significant visual impairments, including night blindness, which is the inability to see well in low-light situations. In addition to supporting vision, vitamin A contributes to the overall health of the eyes by playing a role in the production of tears and preventing dry eyes. It also supports the proper function of other cells in the eye, further ensuring optimal visual performance. While other vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E also play important roles in general health and may contribute indirectly to eye health, they do not have the same specific connection to preventing night blindness as vitamin A does.