Eat Right to Save Your Vision! By Sean Mulqueeny, O.D. on February 11, 2011

Save Your Vision Tip # 2

For Optimum Eye Health, Include Antioxidants in Your Diet!

Carrots are often the first food that most people think of when it comes to maintaining good vision. Though there is some truth in that, there are nutrients found in other veggies, especially green leafy varieties that can contribute to your overall eye health.

People who include higher levels of antioxidant vitamins A, C & E, along with zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin may decrease the likelihood of developing eye disease such as AMD (age-related macular degeneration), among others.

Antioxidant Vitamins

Vitamin A helps maintain a healthy retina and supports both color and night vision and may reduce the risk of cataracts. Vitamin C appears to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma, may slow progression of macular degeneration and cataract development and Vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant, may also decrease the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts as well.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Lutein and Zeaxanthin, both carotenoids, are two very important nutrients that also may reduce your risk for macular degeneration. Studies show that low macular pigment has been associated with higher risk of this disease. Lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to increase the amount of pigment found in the macula. Simply stated, more pigment in the macula means more protection against AMD and a significant decrease in your risk of developing this disease in your lifetime.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

If you suffer from dry eye, adding Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet is recommended to help improve dry eye symptoms such as scratchy, gritty, or burning feelings, redness, stringy mucus and increased sensitivity to light. Likewise, these essential fats may also provide relief for recurrent styes and other eye lid ailments.

A busy lifestyle often makes it difficult to always eat right, but choosing a healthy diet that includes a variety of antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables will increase your odds of a lifetime of excellent health and good vision!