Your diet can supply your eyes with many vision-supporting nutrients. However, not all foods are created equal for eye health. By including certain nutrient-rich foods in your diet, you can lower your risk of conditions like macular degeneration and protect your long-term vision.
The best foods to eat for healthier vision include:
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. These fatty acids are essential to the function of the retina. They can also reduce your risk of developing glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and dry eye.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds, namely almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and sunflower seeds, are high in vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can work together with other nutrients to reduce your risk of cataracts. This vitamin is also thought to curb the development of age-related macular degeneration.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are great sources of vitamin E, C, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Like vitamin E, vitamin C can reduce your risk of cataracts and slow down age-related macular degeneration with other nutrients. Lutein and zeaxanthin are forms of vitamin A that are found in the retina, lens, and macula. These antioxidants can protect the eyes against damage from the sun’s UV rays.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C. Grapefruits, oranges, and lemons can all be incorporated into your diet to help fight age-related vision loss with vitamin C!
Orange Fruits and Vegetables
Orange fruits and vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes, mangos, apricots, and cantaloupe get their orange color from beta-carotene. The body needs beta-carotene to make vitamin A, which is essential for keeping the cornea of the eye clear and preventing cataracts. Vitamin A is also a component of rhodopsin, which is a protein that supports the retina’s ability to absorb light.
At The Eye Clinic of Florida, we can restore your vision with a range of advanced procedures from award-winning Florida ophthalmologist, Dr. Mahootchi. Contact us today to schedule a free screening!