For Strong, Healthy Eyes, What Foods Should You Eat?

What foods should you make sure to incorporate into your regular diet to improve and maintain healthy eyes? In this post, you’ll learn the best sources.

Beta Carotene for Healthy Eyes

The first food that many people think of when they want to enhance or maintain good vision is carrots. Carrots — along with other orange and yellow vegetables and fruits — contain beta carotene.

Beta carotene is a red-orange pigment found in some plants. The human body converts beta carotene to Vitamin A, preventing night blindness.

Foods with Vitamins and Other Compounds for Eye Health

There are other foods that are also key to good eye health.

Vitamins C, E, Zinc, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids should also be incorporated into a healthy diet. They not only help to prevent cataracts, they may also be beneficial in preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

1. Antioxidant foods

Spinach and kale are antioxidants that protect the eyes from sunlight, cigarette smoke, and air pollution. They are loaded with Lutein and Zeaxanthin.

2. Foods loaded with Vitamin C and E

Vitamin C is also a great antioxidant. It can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries, peppers, and tomatoes. Almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, and vegetable oils are excellent sources of Vitamin E.

3. Great sources of Zinc

You might be surprised to know that just two oysters can provide more than enough of the recommended daily amount of Zinc. If you don’t usually incorporate oysters into your diet, don’t worry, Zinc can also be found in meats, eggs, peanuts, beans, and whole grains.

4. Foods with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

You may have heard about Omega-3 Fatty Acids in terms of heart health, but they also flight inflammation and help cells in the eyes work better. Salmon, sardines, and herring are the best sources.

Routine Check-Ups for Healthy Vision

Regardless of your diet, it’s important to regularly see your Eye Doctor to protect your vision. Over the age of 40, you should get an eye exam every 2-4 years. That increases to every 1-2 years over the age of 55.

If you’re due for an eye exam and you’re located in Central New Jersey, contact our office to set up an appointment. We’d love to see you.