Food for Healthy Eyesight

A healthy diet plays an important role in providing your body with the necessary nutrients, such as vitamin E, vitamin C and lutein to promote eye health. According to Dr. James Balch in "The Prescription for Nutritional Healing," eating the right foods can decrease your chances of eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.

Vegetables

Vegetables are beneficial for optimal eyesight. Vegetables contain lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that promote eye health, notes the American Optometric Association. Leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage, mustard greens, collard greens and kale also contain vitamin C, which may decrease your chances of developing eye conditions such as glaucoma. In addition to vitamin C, carrots and yams are high in vitamin A and other antioxidants that enhance your eyesight. Vitamin A plays a role in maintaining a healthy cornea and preventing night blindness.

Fruits

Like vegetables, fruits also contain vitamins A, C, lutein, zeaxanthin and other antioxidants. According to the American Optometric Association, consuming fruits can have a positive effect on your eyesight. Fruits such as apricots, melons, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pears, grapes, bananas, tangelos, grapefruits, lemons, limes, plums, nectarines, oranges, tangerines, papaya, mangoes, peaches and cantaloupes.

Fish

Fish are beneficial sources of omega-3 nutrients, which are responsible for reducing body inflammation and promoting immune functions. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, consuming fish and other omega-3 sources may also decrease your chances of developing macular degeneration and other eye problems. Examples of fish to eat for healthy eyesight include tuna, mackerel, salmon, lake trout, herring and halibut.

Seeds and Nuts

Like fish, seeds and nuts also contain substantial amounts of omega-3 acids. The "Archives of Opthamology" reports that omega-3 acids may also decrease the effects of dry eye syndrome. Examples of seeds and nuts include walnuts, sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts and flax seed. You can also use these foods in cereals, salads and snacks.