Many fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that are good for the health of your eyes, according to AllAboutVision.com. Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help prevent some potentially blinding eye diseases like cataracts or macular degeneration. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables contain the most important nutrients like vitamin A or lutein, according to the Harvard School of Public Health Nutrition Source. Including a variety of these fruits and vegetables in your diet every day can promote healthy eyes and a healthy body.
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Dark green leafy vegetable like spinach, romaine lettuce, broccoli and kale contain the substances lutein and zeaxanthin. These two substances protect the retina from damage and may help prevent the development of macular degeneration, according to AllAboutVision.com.
Carrots
Carrots are excellent sources of vitamin A. Not having enough vitamin A can cause night blindness and dry eye syndrome, according to AllAboutVision.com. Vitamin A may also prevent macular degeneration and the development of cataracts. It is also important for people with the eye disease retinitis pigmentosa, which gradually causes blindness. It is possible to consume too much vitamin A, but this typically occurs only when taking supplements.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and lemons are all good sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a role in the prevention of cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Citrus fruits also contain flavonoids, which are substances that promote eye health. Smoking can increase the risk of eye disease; people who smoke may need more vitamin C in their diets to combat the damaging effects of the smoke, according to AllAboutvision.com.
Berries and Grapes
Berries like raspberries, strawberries and blueberries and grapes also contain significant amounts of vitamin C, according to The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability website. These fruits are also good sources of flavonoids, which can also lower the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, according to AllAboutVision.com.
Bell Peppers
Red and green bell peppers contain vitamin C, and red peppers also supply Vitamin A. Red bell peppers are a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin as well, and orange bell peppers also contain zeaxanthin.
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