The macula is an area on the back lining of your eye that helps provide central vision. If the macular tissue starts to break down, you may have a condition called macular degeneration. This type of eye disease can permanently destroy your straight-ahead vision. Certain nutrients, such as those found in dark green, leafy vegetables, may help prevent macular degeneration, and if you have this condition, these nutrients may slow down the progression of the disease.
Nutrients
Each green, leafy vegetable contains different types and amounts of nutrients, but in most cases, these vegetables provide some amount of the important nutrients for the eye. Lutein is a common nutrient in green, leafy vegetables, and many also contain vitamin A and vitamin C. These nutrients work with other nutrients to help slow down, or even prevent, the occurrence of macular degeneration damage.
Age-Related Eye Disease Study
The National Eye Institute released the results of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study, or AREDS, in 2001. Researchers determined that high doses of specific nutrients, including those found in green, leafy vegetables, may help reduce your chances of the advanced form of this disease by 25 percent. For optimum protection, the National Eye Institute recommends 25,000 international units of vitamin A, 400 IU of vitamin E and 500mg of vitamin C. The institute also recommends 80mg of zinc, and since high doses of zinc may cause a copper deficiency, researchers recommend adding 2mg of copper. Your doctor can help you determine if these amounts are appropriate for your health and eye conditions.
Additional Sources
In addition to green, leafy vegetables, your doctor may recommend a variety of healthy foods that will provide the necessary nutrients for macular degeneration prevention. Lutein-rich foods include corn, eggs and oranges. Foods that contain vitamin C include citrus fruits, apples and bananas. You can find zinc in oysters, beef, salmon and eggs. And most nuts and seeds, such as almonds and sunflower seeds, contain vitamin E. Foods rich in vitamin A include liver, carrots, cantaloupe and apricots.
Considerations
Before making dietary changes, such as adding significant amounts of green, leafy vegetables to your diet, you should talk with your doctor. Certain foods contain nutrients that may interfere with medications or health conditions if consumed in high quantities. Your doctor may suggest selecting a variety of foods to ensure you receive a variety of nutrients, and she may also recommend a supplement that provides the nutrients to help prevent macular degeneration.
