Vision problems can occur with age. Like other tissue and organs in your body, your eyes have to put up with a lot. They are regularly exposed to free radicals and potential damage from the sun and other sources.
Two common causes of vision problems (and loss) are cataracts—which are marked by cloudy areas in the lens of the eye—and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—which causes vision loss in the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision.
Food may help prevent these conditions so you can see far into the future. Now be warned, there is no concrete proof that nutrition preserved eyesight. There is, however, a variety of studies to suggest that certain nutrients, and an overall healthy diet, do help.
The best nutrients for your eyes appear to be antioxidants. Vitamins A, C, and E, along with the mineral zinc, may help improve and support eye health.
You can get these nutrients in:
- Red peppers
- Broccoli
- Sweet potatoes
- Almonds
- Peanut butter
- Yogurt
Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that have also been identified explicitly as potential boons to eye health. They are generally found in bright yellow and orange vegetables, as well as leafy greens. Try:
- Broccoli
- Oranges
- Kale
- Nectarines
- Eggs
Lastly, omega-3 fatty acids may help promote eye health and support clear vision. The best sources of these nutrients are fatty fish like salmon, tuna, herring, sardines, and mackerel.
You may be able to eat your way to better vision and healthy eyes in the same way you can for a healthy heart and weight. Focus on including more of these nutrient-dense foods into your diet and watch the results.