Foods for poor eyesight

There is an increasing need to provide nutritional support for the eyes as diet is linked to many causes of eye damage from bags under the eyes, from bloodshot eyes to blurred vision. Diets which comprise foods laced with chemicals and preservatives, is particularly detrimental to the eyes sight.

Health and foods for poor eyesight

For many, nutrition can help the eyes stay strong and/or heal from sight loss. Experts recommend more caretenoids in the diet, dark green and orange fruits and vegetables, nutritionally support the eyes. Nicotine, sugar and caffeine are extremely detrimental to sight,

All about foods for poor eyesight

To improve poor vision, the most important nutrient is vitamin A. Lack of vitamin A can lead to glaucoma, dry eye, and other degenerative conditions. Carrots, milk and all milk products, leafy greens such as spinach, collard greens and mustard greens, turnips, tomatoes, peas and dates are the richest sources of Vitamin A. Fresh vegetables are any time recommended over canned or preserved ones.

Fresh fruits, specially apples, peaches, plums, cherries and grapes, also improve eyesight. Juice of at least two to four oranges a day is also recommended.

Cereals for eyesight

Apart from natural fresh fruits and vegetables, there are also cereals such as oatmeal which will help to improve general eyesight. Soya beans are a good source for improving eyesight in the long run. All whole grains are also healthy for eyes.

As far as possible it is advisable to avoid processed foods as also foods rich in sugar.

Vitamin A

There are two types of vitamin A: retinoids and carotenoids.

Retinoids are found in liver, fish oils containing liver (eg cod-liver oil) and butter. Eating large amounts of these substances can give you an overdose of vitamin A and lead to toxicity, or worse, promote some forms of cancer.

Carotenoids are provitamins your body converts into vitamin A. Carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and dark-green leafy vegetables all contain beta-carotene, a potent carotenoid. But how much gets converted depends on how much vitamin A you already have in your body – in other words, your body doesn't make vitamin A if you don't need it.

A diet deficient in vitamin A can lead to night blindness and other eye problems. Reduced night vision is one of the earliest signs of vitamin A deficiency although people rarely complain of night blindness until it becomes really severe.

References

• Poor vision dietary advice