Poor vision is a common health problem in the U.S. Common symptoms of vision problems include blurred vision, blind spots and floaters. Cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are conditions that might cause such symptoms. Certain dietary approaches might be beneficial in improving your eyesight. However, you should always discuss diet-related topics with your primary care provider before using such a natural healing approach in treating your vision problems.
Poor Eyesight
Refractive errors -- nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism -- are among the most common causes of poor eyesight, notes the National Eye Institute, or NEI. Refractive errors are caused by alterations in the shape of your eye or cornea. Cataracts, or a clouding of your eye's natural lens, are another common cause of poor eyesight, especially in elderly individuals. The NEI says that more than 50 percent of Americans will have a cataract by the time they reach 80 years old. Macular generation and glaucoma are eye conditions that might lead to serious health consequences.
Dietary Approach
Consuming the following foods is a general dietary approach to improving your vision, notes certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing": squash, sunflower seeds, watercress, cauliflower, carrots, raw cabbage and broccoli. Consider eliminating white flour products and sugar from your diet. Increasing your consumption of broccoli, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach and turnip greens, notes Balch, might be particularly helpful in preventing age-related cataracts. These foods, in addition to blueberries, blackberries and other flavonoid-rich foods, might also help treat your macular degeneration.
A Helpful Food
Carrots have long been used in treating poor eyesight. Carrots, notes Duke Health, contain a significant amount of vitamin A, which is the substance in carrots that most contributes to optimal eye health. Eating too many carrots, however, might cause changes in your skin color due to the accumulation of carotene in your blood. Carrots that are excessively forked, cracked or limp might be past their prime. Carrots that are bright orange, firm and straight contain the most nutrients, including vitamins K and C and the mineral potassium.
Additional Information
Poor eyesight, though a common problem in the U.S. and elsewhere throughout the world, might be caused by serious underlying health problems that require the attention and intervention of a health care professional. Before using diet and nutrition to help improve your eyesight, meet with your family physician to discuss all possible ramifications and limitations of this natural healing approach. Avoid using diet and nutrition in place of other therapies your doctor recommends.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vision Problems Overview
- National Eye Institute: Common Vision Problems
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2010
- Duke Health: Myth or Fact: Eating Carrots Improves Eyesight
