There’s no substitute for the quality of life good vision offers. Drawing from the old belief that eating carrots can help you see in the dark, growing scientific evidence indicates that eating certain foods helps to safeguard our vision.
Age-related cataract and macular degeneration are the leading causes of acquired blindness and visual impairment in individuals above 50 years of age in developed countries. It is a major challenge in the new millennium in the developing countries too, as the size of elderly population continues to rise due to better medical facilities.

In the last 20 years, research has linked diet and nutrition with good eye health, decreased risk of visual impairment, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), dry eyes and cataract.
Including foods rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants such as vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, E and C, zinc and selenium in our diet has been found to maintain good eye health. Intake of adequate anti-oxidants helps retina and crystalline lens of the eye to withstand the oxidising effects of UV light and, therefore, become more resistant to cataract and AMD.

A recent study in the US showed that high quantities of the antioxidant vitamins A-C-E complex plus zinc can help to slow down the progression of AMD.
Another study reported a strong protective effect of folate, vitamin B 12 on cortical cataract and role of vitamins C and E in slowing the development or progression of cataracts.

Some people who have AMD or at risk for it like diabetics and smokers might require supplementation with essential vitamins and anti-oxidants for reducing risk of eye disease.
Eating plenty of fresh brightly-colored fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids (5 -9 servings of ½ cup), fatty fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, pulses & low fat dairy will result in good eye health.

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