As some of your body’s most intricate organs, your eyes require a variety of vitamins and nutrients to function correctly. Ensuring you take in the nutrients your body needs will help fight against conditions age-related. Although many factors may lead to these conditions, it’s important to note that nutrition does play an important role.
Vitamin A
One of the main ways Vitamin A helps your eyes is by maintaining a clear cornea. The cornea is the outside section that covers your eyes. Vitamin A also helps form the protein rhodopsin. Without rhodopsin, you wouldn’t be able to see in lower light.
For good eye health, incorporate foods rich in vitamin A to your diet. Eating leafy greens, bell peppers, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are great ways to get the vitamin A your eyes need to keep functioning at their best.
Vitamin E
Several eye conditions are the result of oxidative stress, an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals which are unstable molecules harmful to your health. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect your body’s cells, including eye cells, from damage that can be caused by free radicals.
Some studies also suggest that a diet high in vitamin E can help protect you the health of your eye lens.
For a diet rich in vitamin E, you should include nuts, seeds, salmon, leafy greens, and avocados.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another antioxidant that protects your eyes from free radicals. Vitamin C is also a necessary component of collagen, the protein that provides your eyes with structure in the cornea and sclera.
Several studies have also found that vitamin C can help lower the risk of developing cataracts. Cataracts cloud your eyes and cause blurry vision. One study found that those whose daily vitamin C intake was above 490 mg had a 75% reduced risk of developing cataracts.
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, are very high in vitamin C. Guavas and strawberries are also great fruits to improve your vitamin C intake. Vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and kale are also excellent ways to increase your daily intake.