Eating for Your Eyes

Carrots are well known for being great for eyes, but other foods and vitamins are important for keeping your eyesight sharp at any age! Maintaining a healthy diet is an important factor in sustaining a healthy life style as well as safeguarding healthy eyes. Incorporating antioxidants, lutein, vitamins C & E, as well as omega-3s can help prevent your eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, inflammation and dryness.

Vitamins C and E, zinc, Omega-3, and lutein, specifically help prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Antioxidants help your eyes counteract the damaging effects of sunlight, smoke and pollution damage. Spinach and kale are loaded with antioxidants and lutein. Not a fan of those greens? Try broccoli, kiwi and grapes. Vitamin C rich foods are great for immune health as well as eye health. Strawberries, grapefruit, oranges, and green peppers are excellent choices. Getting enough Vitamin E in a day can be difficult. Sunflower seeds, wheat germ, almonds and pecans are strong selections. Selenium, found in food like brown rice or brazil nuts, work effectively with Vitamins C and E to reduce the risk of AMD

Carrots are a good source of Vitamin A that can help prevent dry eye. If you’re looking for an alternative try sweet potatoes, winter squash or red peppers. Omega-3s not only keep your brain and heart healthy, but aid in fighting eye inflammation. Salmon, herring and sardines have the most omega-3s. Flounder, halibut, and tuna have lower numbers but are still a good source. If you prefer not to eat fish, check with your eye doctor to see which over the counter Omega-3 vitamin dose is best for you

The foods listed above are an easy starting point for healthier living. Try incorporating these foods into your every day diet. If you are looking for alternatives to the foods listed above or wonder if vitamins will be enough for your eye health, speak to your primary care physician or ophthalmologist.