When I was a kid, I had perfect vision. Actually, I had better-than-perfect vision. It was a source of pride for me — both of my parents wore glasses (at least from time to time), and I was excited that seeing was one thing I could do better than them.
Of course, I didn't realize at the time that my genetics would one day kick in and ruin my eyesight as well.
By the time I graduated from college and started my first full-time job, I could tell my eyesight was starting to go.
If you'd asked me when I was young why my eyes were so healthy, I probably would have said it was because I ate a lot of carrots.
Some people may scoff at the idea that carrots can support eye health, but it's not a myth! Certain foods can actually greatly improve your eyesight.
Keep reading to find out more about some of the foods that can improve your eyesight.
Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia / Pawdugan // Flickr / Mack Male
Which Foods Can Boost Your Eye Health?
Most people know that carrots can help with eyesight, but there are actually a ton of other foods that can improve your vision.
Carrots, which support eye health with their beta-carotene, aren't the only snacks you should munch on when you want to be able to see.
Find out more about which foods can improve your eye health below!
Food #1: Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are good for your health in just about every way, and eye health is no exception.
Health reports that the antioxidants found in leafy green vegetables — zeaxanthin and lutein — can lower the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Food #2: Citrus Fruits And Berries
Berries and citrus fruits are chock-full of vitamin C.
In addition to supporting your immune system, vitamin C has also been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Food #3: Fatty Fish
All About Vision explains that fatty fish, like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help protect against cataracts and macular degenerations.
One particular fatty acid from fish, DHA, is found in the retina. When you have low levels of DHA, it can lead to dry eye syndrome.
Food #4: Eggs
Eggs aren't just a great source of protein, they're also great for your eyes.
They contain vitamin A, which helps protect against dry eyes and night blindness.
Like other eye-healthy foods, they also contain the antioxidant lutein.
Food #5: Almonds
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are full of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
According to the American Optometric Association, vitamin E can protect eye cells from damage.
Food #6: Legumes
Legumes like beans and lentils provide zinc and bioflavonoids to the body.
These can help lower the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration and protect the retina, explains All About Vision.
Food #7: Oysters And Liver
Zinc, as we already established, can slow the progression of macular degeneration. You can also find high amounts of zinc in liver and oysters.
If you think eye health is important, please SHARE this article with your friends and family!
