Eat more of these foods to maximize your eye health.
Studies show that five foods can help prevent cataracts, clouding of the lens within the eye, dry eyes and glaucoma. They may also protect against age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly.
1. Carrots – Carrots contain beta-carotene, which the body uses to make vitamin A. Vitamin A is important to the health of your eyes. Without it or in insufficient quantities, low vitamin A levels can lead to dry eye, corneal scarring, night blindness and vision loss.
2. Kale – Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach and broccoli are rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are present in high concentrations in the retina. These antioxidants act as a filter and protect the retina from damaging blue light.
3. Red peppers – Orange and red fruits and vegetables like red peppers, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and kiwi contain vitamin C, another antioxidant, which may help prevent the development of cataracts.
4. Salmon – Fish, especially salmon, are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help promote the visual health of the retina and can help prevent dry eyes. Salmon, sardines and herring have the most omega-3s, but flounder, halibut and tuna are also good sources.
5. Oysters – Oysters are loaded with zinc, which may be able to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. Zinc is also found in turkey, eggs, peanuts and whole grains.