7 Foods That Can Boost Your Eye Health

In addition to making changes to your diet, you can protect your eyesight by making sure your eyes are always well protected.

Poor eyesight does not just happen with old age, though this is when the most progressive conditions seem to gain the most attention. Eye strain and weak vision can begin during childhood and grow worse over time. Though annual eye exams, the use of prescription safety glasses, or contact lenses can help monitor and adjust to vision problems, a healthy lifestyle has a significant impact on how quickly your eyesight may decline. Certain nutrients belong in your diet if you want to keep your eyes healthy.

1. Fish

Many fish species are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These species have oil in both the gut and body tissue, and this omega-3 rich oil is brought into the body during consumption. Salmon, tuna, trout, sardines, herring, and mackerel are just a few of these nutrient-rich fish. Many people experience eye strain and dry eye from long periods of time spent in front of computer screens, tablets, or televisions, and fish oil has been found to reverse dry eye conditions.

2. Seeds

Seeds are another rich source of omega-3s as well as vitamin E. With higher levels of vitamin E in the body, eye cells are more protected from free radicals, the unstable molecules that can break down healthy eye tissue. A breakdown in this tissue can turn into age-related macular degeneration or the formation of cataracts. You can find seeds sold in grocery stores and online sites, and the most beneficial are flax, chia, and hemp.

3. Legumes and Nuts

You can also use nuts to increase your vitamin E and omega-3 levels. Keeping the outer layer of tissue strong forms a protective barrier for the eyeball. Choose peanuts, walnuts, cashews, and lentils for improved eye health.

4. Citrus Fruits

Citrus isn’t just good for boosting your immune system to fight off a cold or the flu. Your eyes need vitamin C to stay healthy and to fight against eye damage. Citrus fruits contain ascorbic acid, which is an antioxidant that can reduce the risk of developing cataracts. When vitamin C is added to the diet, it will work with other essential nutrients to help delay the progression of visual acuity loss and macular degeneration. Fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are high in vitamin C.

5. Carrots

Though you might think a pair of reading glasses or prescription safety glasses are the best investment you can make into protecting your vision, filling up your diet with the nutrients found in carrots is an equally effective investment. Beta carotene is the nutrient that makes carrots orange, and researchers have found that the body needs beta carotene if it is going to make vitamin A. Carrots also contain high levels of vitamin A, and it aids in healthy vision by helping the retina absorb light more effectively.

6. Leafy Green Vegetables

Many eat leafy greens to help lower their blood pressure, reduce the risk of obesity, and prevent mental decline. However, leafy green vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that have a positive impact on eye health. There are high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin which prevent retinal damage and help filter out damaging rays.

7. Beef

Beef has high levels of zinc, a nutrient that has a positive impact on long-term eye health. Age does create problems with degeneration and vision loss, but zinc helps slow down the effects of age. Zinc deficiencies can lead to night blindness, and keeping high levels of zinc in the body can postpone how quickly an individual loses sight.

In addition to making changes to your diet, you can protect your eyesight by making sure your eyes are always well protected. At Safety Gear Pro, we carry several lines of prescription safety glasses and sunglasses. Not only can these protect your eyes from damage from debris or other objects, but glasses also work to prevent further deterioration of your eyesight. Shop our collections for styles and colors that suit you best.