You already know the importance of eating the right foods to stay healthy. But did you know that what you eat could impact your eye health? Eating foods loaded
with antioxidants may help you reduce your risk of developing some eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration. Your eyes need the following antioxidants to stay healthy, including:
- Vitamins A, C & E
- Beta-carotene
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
Here are the top five foods you should be eating for good eye health.
Carrots
Were you told as a kid to eat your carrots because they were good for your eyes? It’s true…carrots are loaded with Vitamin A and beta-carotene that helps keep the surface of your eyes healthy.
Oranges
Oranges are loaded with vitamin C, which is essential for eye health. This powerful antioxidant helps build healthy blood vessels in your eyes. It also helps prevent cataracts from developing and works with other healthy nutrients to ward off age-related macular degeneration.
Fish
Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats. Choose wild-caught salmon over farm-raised salmon because it has less saturated fat. Omega-3s help keep your retina’s healthy and help prevent dry eyes.
Almonds
Foods like almonds are loaded with vitamin E, which helps protect healthy tissue from being attacked by unstable oxidants. Adding almonds to your diet could help prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Eggs
Eggs are a powerhouse of antioxidants that are essential for eye health. Their yolks contain essential nutrients like vitamin A, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Vitamin A helps keep your eyes’ corneas healthy. Zinc helps keep your retinas healthy in addition to helping with night vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin help reduce your risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Yes, a healthy diet will help keep your eyes healthy. However, it is essential to have regular eye exams to keep track of your eye health. Early detection of eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration can help save your vision.
Take charge of your eye health. Contact Valley Eyecare Center at (602) 955-2700 to schedule your next eye exam.
