Delivering key nutrients to support the health of each part of the eye—cornea, lens, macula, nerves, retina, pupil—supports long term vision, fighting external stressors and internal oxidation. In an article on Fitness & Health Tips Today, Olinda Rola detailed several foods that are rich in compounds that benefit the eyes, particularly the carotenoids that can fight oxidative stress in the eye. Among them:
Dark leafy greens: Leafy green vegetables such as collard greens, spinach and kale deliver important carotenoids that can reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Corn & eggs: Egg yolks are a rich source of lutein, while corn delivers both lutein and zeaxanthin; diets rich in these two carotenoids have been shown to be associated with a lower risk of cataract and AMD.
Apricots: These fruits are rich in lycopene as well as beta-carotene, a vitamin A precursor.
Blueberries & bilberries: Blueberries and bilberries appear to support vascular health, increasing the blood supply to the eye; they’re also rich in polyphenols that fight oxidative stress. Bilberry jam was used by British pilots to improve their night vision during World War II, and studies have supported this use.