A healthy diet plays a vital role in eye care and wellness. The chances of developing serious eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can often be minimized with the proper nutrition. The following guide explains more about these foods in detail.

What Are the Best Foods for Your Eyes?

1. Fish

Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids provide your body with healthy fats. Salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel are all rich in omega-3s. One of those omega-3s, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is found in the retina more than anywhere else in the human body, so consuming DHA is crucial to maintaining eye health. In addition, eating a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce the risk of retinal diseases like macular degeneration.

2. Vegetables

Leafy, green vegetables contain lutein and zeaxanthin, plant pigments that reduce your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other vision issues. Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens should be staples on your shopping list. The pigments in these veggies function as antioxidants that encourage healthy cell growth, countering the free radicals that can cause retinal damage and helping the eyes filter out damaging blue light.

3. Eggs

In addition to lutein and zeaxanthin, eggs also have a large amount of vitamin A, an essential ingredient for eye care and vision maintenance. Vitamin A helps you see the full spectrum of light, and it keeps your eyes moisturized and lubricated. Vitamin A deficiency is also the biggest cause of blindness in children. Be sure to incorporate plenty of eggs into your diet, especially if you have kids at home.

4. Fruit

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes boast high levels of vitamin C, another important ingredient for eye care and vision health. Decreased vitamin C concentrations in the lens of the eye have been linked to severe cataracts. This condition clouds the lens and obscures vision, and it's one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. Aim for about 500 mg worth of vitamin C a day, which you can get from a combination of citrus fruits and supplements.

If you also want to schedule regular visits to an eye care professional, turn to Graham Optical in Fort Smith, AR. This optometry office has served patients throughout eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas since 1964. Optometrist Calvin Graham and his staff offer comprehensive eye care services, including exams and treatment for cataracts. Call (479) 782-6737 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about how they can help.