Food alone isn’t going to protect your eyes, but choosing a diet rich in eye-enhancing nutrients can help strengthen your eye health on a daily basis. To start with, foods containing vitamins A, C, and E, copper, and zinc, are all very good for your eyesight.
Getting more specific, foods that contain sulfur, lecithin, and cysteine help your eyes prevent the formation of cataracts. Some examples include:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Capers
- Shallots
Foods rich in antioxidants protect the part of your known as the “macula” from sun damage. Antioxidant-rich foods are also known to help prevent age-related macular degeneration, which causes vision problems, including blindness. Some examples of antioxidant-rich foods are:
- Yellow Peppers
- Pumpkin
- Sweet Potatoes
- Carrots
- Egg Yolks
- Dark Leafy Greens (kale, spinach, chard, etc.)
Additionally, other antioxidant-friendly foods that are full of anthocyanin have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid with improving vision. Some examples are:
- Grapes
- Gogi Berries
- Blueberries
Foods with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) provide structural support to cell membranes, thus boosting your eye health. DHA fatty acids can be found in many coldwater fishes, such as:
- Mackerel
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Cod
You & Your Eye Doctor
All these foods are great ways to enhance your eye health and help protect your vision, but it is also important to consult an eye doctor for issues related to your eye health and improvement. Think of the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Eating apples or other healthy foods doesn’t cure or prevent all health problems; it only helps promote good health. You still need to see a doctor every now and then. Foods that enhance your eyes are no different; they’re good for you, but so is visiting your local Austin and Kyle, TX eye doctor.
To make an appointment with an eye doctor at the Howerton Eye, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you and helping enhance your eye health!
