Can You Improve Your Eyesight With Food?

Can you eat your way to better eye health? You bet you can! Research conducted by the National Eye Institute demonstrated that there are several nutrients that can help protect our eyes. Find out the foods that need to be on your shopping list here.

Can you eat your way to better eye health? You bet you can! Research conducted by the National Eye Institute demonstrated that there are several nutrients that can help protect our eyes. Furthermore foods may even protect against Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of irreversible vision loss among elderly people. The most important foods for eye health are those that are rich in the antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as zinc and omega-3s.

Here are six categories of foods you should add to your shopping list today!

Carrots, sweet potatoes, and apricots are loaded with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

Turkey, oysters, and pumpkin seeds, are all rich in zinc. Low levels of have been linked to impaired vision and poor night vision, as well as cloudy cataracts. In addition to zinc, turkey also contains niacin, the B-vitamin that specifically protects against cataracts.

Brussels sprouts, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries and bell peppers pack vitamin C another antioxidant that protects the entire body including our eyes.

Spinach provides four eye-protecting nutrients: vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Studies have shown that eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can actually increase the pigment density in the macula; and greater pigment density means better retina protection, and a lower risk of macular degeneration. Because they absorb 40 to 90 percent of blue light intensity, these nutrients act like sunscreen for your eyes. Other great sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include, dark green leafy veggies, squash, peas, corn, pumpkin, peppers, kiwi, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Eggs and oranges also contain small amounts.

Salmon, sardines and other omega 3 rich foods including hemp, and chia seeds are also beneficial for eye health. Studies have shown that regularly eating foods rich in omega-3s can help protect tiny blood vessels within the eyes. Sprinkle chia and hemp seeds on salads, soups and breakfast oatmeal, and aim for two to three four ounce portions of oily fish per week.

Vitamin E rich foods may also boost eye health and include wheat germ, almonds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, cooked spinach, apricots, olives and more. 

Shopping for eye health is similar to shopping for general health, choosing fresh produce (seasonal if possible) and making most meals at home are two tips that will have you headed in the right direction. And don't forget to schedule regular eye exams with your optometrist to keep your eyes in optimum health!

For more basic information about vision health visit the CDC.