Food For The Eyes

Food for the Eyes

Last Update: 3/20 1:19 pm
Source: WXYZ Detroit

Many of us plan our meals around certain foods hoping to keep our bodies healthy, but not many of us think specifically about our eyes. We have a heads up on culinary choices that can help you see better, longer. In fact, these can be called 'food for the eyes!'

Blair Carper, (worried about his vision)
"I used to be able to see things really sharp and now I don't see things as well."

He's heard carrots are good for the eyes and he's right, but they're not the only way to protect your view of the world. A recent study shows several nutrients in supplemental form help slow the progression of serious eye diseases. Ophthalmologist Sunil Srivastava says incorporating even small amounts into your regular diet can only help. One food with benefits-eggs.

Sunil Srivastava, MD, Ophthalmologist, Emory University
"Eggs do have a lot of good vitamins, such as vitamin A. Vitamin A is important in the function of the eye, specifically the retina, so vitamin A deficiencies can actually lead to night blindness."

Then there are raspberries. The vitamin C in them helps reduce the risk of cataract formation. Almonds are up next because they contain vitamin E.

Sunil Srivastava, MD, Ophthalmologist, Emory University
"Vitamin C and vitamin E have been shown to, at elevated levels, reduce the risk of things like macular degeneration in high risk patients."

Salmon or more specifically fish oil, along with green leafy vegetables, also help prevent macular degeneration, an illness that causes blindness. Ten million Americans are already coping with the disease.

Sunil Srivastava, MD, Ophthalmologist, Emory University
"Lutein and zeaxanthin are certain types of pigments that actually are concentrated in the macula of our retina, which is the center part of our vision, and foods like broccoli and spinach have high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin."

Aslo, try yogurt because the zinc in it helps the body absorb antioxidants, which also help the eyes.

Other good sources of vitamin A are cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, and mango.