This is the best food for your eyes (and it’s not carrots)

When you think about foods to eat for better vision, you probably think of carrots. Sure, carrots do contain the essential nutrients for healthy eyes, but there may be a better food out there. In studies, this food has been found to improve glare recovery, which is a measurement of how quickly the eye recovers after being exposed to bright lights.

So, what is this mystery food? Well, it’s no other than eggs.

Eggs help improve eye health: Study

The study found that people who consumed at least 12 eggs a week not only experienced improved glare recovery, but had higher levels of antioxidants, which protect the eyes against damage caused by blue light, sunlight, indoor lighting, TV, and computer screens.

The 12-month study looked at the effects of eating a dozen eggs a week and its effects on age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the US and affects people over the age of 40. Nearly 10 million people are living with poor vision as a result of AMD.

The same antioxidants found in dark leafy greens and carrots, which make them good for eye health, are actually much higher in eggs. That is what makes eggs such a great food to improve eye health.

Egg Nutrition Center director Tia Rain explained the results of the study, “Findings include a significant improvement in glare recovery following the egg intervention, a measurement that quantifies the time it takes the macula to return to normal function following exposure to a bright light. Egg consumers also showed an 83% increase in serum zeaxanthin concentrates compared to baseline. There were no changes in the control group.”

“With 76 million baby boomers in the United States at risk from the development of AMD, these results have significant public health implications. This study shows that a simple change in one’s diet can benefit the progression of the disease,” Rain concluded.

Home remedies to naturally treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Here are a few steps you can take to support healthy vision:

• Don’t smoke.
• Manage other medical conditions such diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
• Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
• Go for regular eye exams.
• Use magnifiers when necessary.
• Use brighter lights in your home.

Other tips to prevent age-related macular degeneration includes wearing sunglasses, especially those that offer UV and blue light protection, and going for an eye exam annually to spot any changes to your vision.

Sticking to an AMD prevention diet and following these tips can help you better prevent age-related macular degeneration, which does not have to be an inevitable part of getting older.

Related: Important information you need to know about your eyes