The macula, the area of the retina most sensitive to light, is under a constant barrage from UV rays, free radicals and inflammation. Over time, damage to the macula can lead to age related macular degeneration, or AMD, the leading cause of blindness in people older than age 65, the "Epoch Times" reports. There are a number of powerful foods that can reduce the risk of developing AMD and delay its progression.
Salmon
The National Eye Institute recommends fish as one of the most important foods for combating AMD. Salmon, like other cold water fish, are rich in omega-3 fats. Salmon and fatty fish contain especially high levels of a pair of omega-3 fats -- docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic, or EPA, -- that boost overall eye health. The University of Maryland Medical center claims that people who consume fatty fish at least one time per week have half the risk of AMD compared to those who don't.
The omega-3s in salmon appear to do double duty for eye health. First, they keep eye arteries healthy and clear of plaque which can reduce blood flow to the eye. Secondly, they combat chronic inflammation. Inflammation, if left unchecked, can cause damage to macula cells, the University of Illinois Eye Digest reports. To maintain salmon's eye health benefits, prepare it using minimal added oil and salt.
Egg Yolks
Because egg yolks are high in cholesterol, many people avoid them. For the health of your eyes, however, give egg yolks another look. Egg yolks are especially rich in a pair of crucial pigments found in the retina: lutein and zeaxanthin. Biologically speaking, lutein and zeaxanthin are pigments in the eye that help the eye see detail.
In addition, these two compounds shield the macula from damage. Exposure to blue light can damage cells in the macula. Lutein and zeaxanthin filter out and block blue light rays, however. Also, luetin and zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants seek and destroy harmful molecules known as free radicals. If you don't get enough zeaxanthin and lutein in the diet, the eye is relatively unprotected from free radical-induced harm.
Carrots
Carrots have long been considered a food that helps you see in the dark. It appears, however, that the connection between your eyes and these nutritious veggies extend to AMD as well.
The American Macular Degeneration Foundation warns that most people don't eat enough lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich fruits and vegetables such as carrots. They add that overall lutein intake among middle-age women has actually decreased since 1987. The American Macular Degeneration Foundation adds that AMD can be largely prevented, and even possibly reversed, by eating more healthy fresh vegetables such as carrots.
Carrots can be eaten as a crunchy portion of salads, as a snack or as a steamed side dish.
