Move Over, Carrots! These Foods Are Good For Your Eyes, Too

Carrots have the reputation for being good for your eyes. And they are—they're high in vitamin A, which you need to maintain good vision. But carrots are far from being the only food you should include in your diet if you're hoping to maintain your vision and overall eye health. Here's a look at a few others that get the eye doctors' seal of approval, so to speak.

Fish

Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids. This specific type of unsaturated fatty acid is good for keeping your eyes moist and lubricated. Eye dryness can be more than bothersome, leading to an increased risk of corneal abrasions and infections, so keeping your eyes moist is of the utmost importance. Fish that dwell in cold water, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, are the highest in omega-3s. Eating fish for lunch or dinner two or three times per week should be sufficient for meeting your needs.

Flax Seeds

If you're following a vegetarian diet or can't stand the taste of fish, flax seeds present an alternative means of getting your omega-3 fatty acids. These tiny seeds must be ground up in order to be easily digested. Luckily, you can grind them in a spice mill or coffee grinder quite easily. Add a spoonful to your morning smoothie or oatmeal, or add ground flax seed when you make muffins or quick breads at home.

Spinach

Spinach is also a great source of vitamin A. It's also high in vitamin C, which helps protect your eyes against infection by bolstering your immune system. While many people enjoy cooked spinach with a little butter or spinach salads, you can also add this green to your smoothies. Its mild flavor is easily masked by sweet apples, bananas, or pineapple. Look for baby spinach, which is not only more tender, but also higher in nutrients than mature spinach.

Eggs

Egg yolk, in particular, are great for your eyes because they contain a lot of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. So don't leave the yolks out when you make your omelets! The vitamin A in egg yolks is very well absorbed by the body because it is a fat-soluble vitamin, and the yolks also contain fat.

Incorporating each of these foods into your diet is sure to benefit your eyes, helping to protect you from further vision loss and age-related eye conditions like macular degeneration. For more tips, talk to an eye doctor at a location such as the Eye And Laser Center Of Fort Collins. 

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