Glasses don’t tell you much about the overall health of your eyes. Even people with 20/20 vision can develop conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that can impair vision and increase the risk of blindness.
Like other organs, the cells in your eyes are subject to oxidation. Things like sunlight, diet, and other exposures can beat your eyes down over time and boost the risk of trouble.
The most effective tools for fighting back are a healthy diet, weight, and eyewear that protects against harmful UV rays.
It might seem like eating for eye health will take a concerted effort. But it doesn’t. Eating common nutritious and antioxidant-rich food can fit your diet easily and give you what you need for strong vision and healthy eyes.
Three common foods that can have significant benefits for the eyes include:
- Kiwi: Kiwi is a rich source of eye-healthy antioxidants. A large kiwi is high in vitamin C, which may help fight damaging free radicals. They are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin to help macular health.
- Eggs: Egg yolks, in particular, are great sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. These two antioxidants are central to eye health. And guess what? The fat in an egg yolk increases its absorption. Eggs contain vitamin A, which can help reduce the risk of poor eye health.
- Turkey: A turkey sandwich can serve up a decent helping of niacin (or vitamin B3), which may support vision.
Of course, these aren’t the only foods that can have significant benefits for your eyes. Eating a diet rich in leafy greens and colorful fruits and vegetables can help guide eye health towards a bright future.