Vision & Vitamins: Eat Your Colors!

It turns out getting vitamins in your diet that are good for your eyes is a simple as looking for color. Of course the old favorite is the bright orange carrot. Beta-carotene which is responsible for the orange color in carrots, squash, and pumpkins that the body converts to vitamin A which is important to retinal function and good vision. Leafy greens – spinach, kale, lettuce – contain zeaxanthin which are antioxidants that may reduce development of macular degeneration and cataracts. Blue and red berries like blueberries, bilberries, strawberries, and raspberries have vitamin C and other compounds like anthocyanin that promote retinal health and healthy blood vessels. The eye has one of the highest blood flow of all the body organs – so keeping your cardiovascular system healthy is a key to good vision. Don’t forget about the importance of brown (nuts). Sunflower seeds, almonds and other nuts are full of vitamin E which may also be helpful in preventing retinal problems like macular degeneration. Finally think about eating colorful fish like salmon and the bright yellow of egg yolks when looking for eye healthy foods.

So next time you are shopping at your local grocery store or farmers’ market keep an eye out for colorful foods that will not only be pleasing to look at but also good for your eyes.

If you have questions about laser vision correction or wish to book a complimentary evaluation with Dr. Anderson Penno, contact Western Laser Eye Associates.