Good Nutrition Is Critical for Good Eyesight

You understand good nutrition is good for your body and its systems, but do you know how and why? Did you also know that one of the most common stories around food and vision is a military myth? Knowing exactly how nutrition can help your health and sight can be challenging. Our optometrist at Pearland Eye Care in Houston, TX, is here to explain what nutrition can and cannot do for your eyesight.

Busting the Carrot Myth

Nutrition from carrots cannot miraculously make you see better at night. This myth first originated as a rumor by the British during WWII to cover up their use of radar. Britain’s Air Ministry issued press releases claiming their pilots ate plenty of carrots to give them extraordinary night vision and help intercept German bombers.

Carrots cannot improve your visual acuity, but they can improve your overall eye health. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is a substance your body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A can help prevent specific eye conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration. However, carrots cannot help with visual problems unrelated to vitamin A.

What Nutrition Can Do for Your Eyesight

Nutrition can help your health in general by making your body able to handle the environment around it by boosting your immune system. A better immune system reduces the chances your cells will become weaker and damaged. Proper nutrition can also decrease the chance of developing macular degeneration and cataracts. Vitamins A, C, and E, the mineral zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and compounds called lutein and zeaxanthin are all very vision-friendly nutrients.

Fruits, vegetables, dairy, seeds, beans, nuts, and meat are all good sources of nutrition for eye health. Focus your diet on whole foods with colorful vegetables, a good protein source, and whole grains. This diet can ensure your eyes get the nutrition they need to remain healthy. You can also take a multivitamin or supplements if you need more nutrients from your diet.

An eye exam from your eye doctor can also determine if you have vitamin deficiencies affecting your eyes. Your eye doctor can discuss vitamins and nutrients to incorporate into your diet to improve your eye and vision health.

Get Eye Care From an Optometrist Near You in Houston, TX, Today

Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining strong and healthy eyes, so contact Pearland Eye Care in Houston, TX, to determine if you have any vitamin deficiencies affecting your eyesight. Our eye doctor can treat eye conditions caused by these deficiencies and offer nutritional guidance to protect your eyes in the future. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (714) 991-4100.