Three Foods to Eat for Healthy Vision

Many people believe that maintaining good eye health is simply a matter of genetics. While there are hereditary traits that can give certain individuals an advantage over others, a healthy diet is also a significant component in preserving vision throughout a person's life. Here are three foods doctors recommend for healthy vision.

Carrots

This list begins with the food most commonly associated with excellent eyesight. Folk wisdom tells us that a steady diet of carrots is what gives rabbits such great vision. While this isn't entirely true (rabbits have good vision over distance, but the position of their eyes makes it hard to see things up close), it is scientifically accurate that carrots contain nutrients beneficial to the eyes. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A that gives them their orange color. Beta-carotene helps pack pigment into the retina, improving overall eyesight and especially night vision.

Spinach, Kale, and Other Leafy Greens

Spinach and kale are healthy foods that provide a wealth of benefits for the body as a whole. They're also rich in specific types of antioxidants that are especially beneficial for vision health. Spinach, kale, and other greens like broccoli are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that studies indicate may help prevent the development of cataracts, avoiding the need for cataract surgery later in life.

Salmon

It's not just vegetables that are necessary for preserving good vision. Salmon and other fish high in fat are an important source of omega-3 fatty acids. These same fatty acids are found in the retina, and a lack of them can cause dry eyes. An abundance of omega-3 fatty acids has also been shown to prevent inflammation, macular degeneration, and even cataracts. While salmon is a good option, look for other fish, like tuna, trout, sardines, and halibut, which are richer in omega-3s than a typical cod or haddock found just off Portsmouth's shores.

Maintaining healthy vision isn't just about the luck of the genomic draw. This list provides just a few of the foods people can eat to take care of their eyesight. Combining a healthy diet with regular optometry care will go a long way to preserving eye health and vision throughout a person's life. To schedule an eye exam, call Excellent Vision at 603-430-5225 today.