Essential Foods to Improve Eye Health

Carrots have long been touted for their eye health benefits, but this an old wives tale that holds its weight. Carrots are high in lutein and beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A prevents a host of age-related diseases, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. One study even found a correlation between low levels of vitamin A and night blindness.

Fish, particularly salmon, and other fatty fish, offer valuable omega-3 fatty acids. DHA, a fatty acid found in these fish, is essential for retina functioning and eye development. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of seafood may help prevent degenerative eye diseases. Consumption of fish may also help alleviate dry eye symptoms.

Kale, spinach, and collard greens are often touted for their health benefits, but their contribution to eye health should not be overlooked. High in vitamins C and E, these cruciferous vegetables also boast high levels of carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These vitamins and antioxidants work together to prevent eye diseases and improve macular pigments.

An inexpensive source of complete proteins, eggs are a smart choice for both the money-conscious and health-conscious. Eggs contain large concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc, all of which support eye health and prevent degenerative eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. A long-term study suggests moderate egg consumption, about 2-4 eggs per week, was enough to yield positive results.

Sweet potatoes gained popularity in the 2000s as a "superfood" due to their high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Antioxidants have been shown to aid eyes throughout the aging process by preventing cataracts and other age-related conditions. Antioxidants also help reverse oxidative stress in the eyes by eliminating free radicals in the retina. Sweet potatoes are also rich in beta-carotene, an important nutrient that aids in night vision.

Oranges are high in vitamins C, E, and A, as well as carotenoids, all of which contribute to healthy eyes. Vitamin C maintains healthy blood vessels in the body and protects ocular cells in the eye. Vitamin C also plays an important role in connective tissue maintenance, especially that of collagen in the eye's cornea. One study found that simply eating one orange per day over a period of several years helped reduce the risk of age-related eye conditions.

These little berries can pack a punch when it comes to eye health. Eyes are directly affected by increased blood pressure, which can lead to retina damage. Anthocyanins have been shown to reduce high blood pressure; these water-soluble vacuolar pigments found in blueberries help prevent blockages that feed oxygen to the retina. Regular consumption of blueberries may even improve vision, according to recent research.

Oxidative stress can wreak havoc on the eyes. Simply put, oxidative stress occurs when there is an accumulation of oxygen-reactive species that the body cannot manage on its own. This phenomenon is directly linked to dry eye symptoms and chronic eye diseases. Avocados boast a host of antioxidant properties and vitamins B6, C, and E, which scavenge free radicals and reduce damage caused by excessive oxidation.

Sunflower seeds and nuts are excellent sources of vitamin E, which may help slow or prevent age-related eye diseases. The potent antioxidant protects vision as it clears oxidative damage from the retina, which helps prevent the development of degenerative diseases. Research finds a strong correlation between high levels of dietary vitamin E and lowered risk of cataracts.

Legumes, such as chickpeas, black beans, or lentils, are excellent choices when it comes to eye health. These low-fat foods are good sources of zinc and bioflavonoids, which are essential for healthy eyes. Zinc maintains regular retina function and conserves retinal pigment epithelium health, which helps conserve visual acuity through the aging process. Bioflavonoids, sometimes referred to as vitamin P, are antioxidants that protect the eye from cataracts and other age-related degenerative diseases.