Best Foods for Healthy Eyes

Most people think that carrots are the best food to eat for healthy eyes.

Did you know that the idea that carrots will improve your vision is actually World War II propaganda from the British?

During this time, the British had established a new radar technology and to divert the German's attention away, they claimed their airmen had improved night vision from eating lots of carrots. The idea spread, and signs and advertisements throughout Europe encouraged everyone to eat carrots to help improve their vision during blackouts. Even today the idea has stuck around, but is there any truth to it? While carrots are not going to give us super vision, they are healthy for our eyes. Here are some food recommendations from Sussex Eye Center that can promote healthy eyes.

Carrots:

Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A and contain beta-carotene, which gives them their bright orange color. Vitamin A helps protect the front surface of the eye (cornea) from infection by serving as a barrier for bacteria and viruses. Without Vitamin A, there can be scarring or damage to the eye that leads to blindness. While not common in the United States, Vitamin A deficiency leaves half a million malnourished children blind each year, an unfortunate situation that can be prevented with healthy diet.

Leafy Green Vegetables:

Leafy greens like kale and spinach are great sources of the vitamins lutein and zeaxanthin. These vitamins have been found to prevent the progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Both lutein and zeaxanthin are important components of the AREDS 2 vitamins taken by individuals with macular degeneration.

Fish:

Fish are important to eye health because they contain omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids have numerous health benefits in the body, but are particularly helpful in the treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Some studies have shown that essential fatty acids may also help lower eye pressure and decrease the risk for Glaucoma.

Sweet Potatoes, Avocados, Nuts:

What these foods have in common is that they are all rich in Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that prevents the body against damage from free-radicals. Vitamin E is another component of the AREDS vitamins for Age-Related Macular Degeneration and have also been shown to prevent Cataracts.

Oranges:

Oranges and other citrus fruits contain Vitamin C, which is also healthy for the eye. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that promotes healthy blood vessels in the back of the eye (retina) and can reduce the risk of Cataract formation and vision loss from Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Oysters:

Oysters are healthy to the eyes because they contain the mineral zinc. Zinc helps our body process Vitamin A and aids in the transit of Vitamin A from the liver to the eye. Other seafoods and eggs also contain zinc.

An overall healthy diet is important to a healthy body, but a diet that includes Vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin will promote healthy eyes. Eating nutritious foods is not a substitute for a regular eye exam, which can detect problems that a healthy diet will not solve. If you are due for an eye exam, contact Sussex Eye Center today!