(NaturalHealth365)  More than 80 million people have glaucoma.  This figure is expected to soar beyond 111 million over the next two decades.  Moreover, in excess of 11 million Americans suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  This worsening condition is the primary cause of vision loss, including blindness.

If you are worried about your eye health or that of your children, don’t panic.  You can minimize ocular regression and other eye problems.  The consumption of foods with carotenoids in combination with a daily screen time limit will help preserve your eyes for years to come.

Natural carotenoids are the key to ocular health

You may have heard the buzz about carrots being great for your eyes, and it’s true!  Carrots contain carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, that are crucial for maintaining healthy vision.  Carotenoids are natural pigments found in plants and algae, giving them vibrant orange, yellow, and red hues.  When you consume beta-carotene from carrots, your body converts it into vitamin A, a vital nutrient for eye health.  Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining proper eye moisture and sustaining clear vision as you age.

But did you know that there’s a whole array of foods beyond carrots that can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight? These foods are packed with an assortment of powerful carotenoids like lutein, B-carotene, lycopene, capsanthin, zeaxanthin, bixin, and astaxanthin – all working together to support your eye health for the long haul.

Let’s take a closer look at these six eye-nourishing organic foods and discover how they can contribute to your visual well-being.

Radiant red peppers:  Bursting with vitamin C, red peppers are a powerhouse antioxidant that scientists believe can help prevent cataracts, those cloudy patches that impair your vision.  Don’t stop at red peppers – other red and orange fruits and vegetables like strawberries, oranges, and kiwis can also provide a vitamin C boost.

Kale – the green guardian:  As one of the leafiest and greenest vegetables, kale is a true champion when it comes to eye health.  Packed with zeaxanthin and lutein, two essential antioxidants found in high concentrations in the retina, kale acts as a protective filter, shielding your eyes from harmful blue light.

Oysters – an unexpected vision ally:  Yes, you read that right – oysters are a surprising ally for ocular health.  Loaded with zinc, they help slow down the progression of age-related macular degeneration.  Boost your zinc intake further by incorporating whole grains, raw peanuts (if you’re not allergic to them), and pasture raised eggs into your diet.

Dive into the omega-3 seas:  Wild-caught salmon and other fatty fish are swimming with omega-3 fatty acids that promote healthy retinas and help prevent dry eyes.  For example, you can add sardines or halibut to your menu to nourish your eyes with these beneficial fatty acids.

Sweet potatoes – a sweet treat for your eyes:  Move over carrots, sweet potatoes are here to steal the spotlight.  Rich in vitamin A, sweet potatoes are excellent for maintaining the health of your cornea.  Surprisingly, they contain 300% more vitamin A than carrots!  So make sure to include a delicious medium-sized sweet potato in your diet for a significant vitamin A boost that your eyes will thank you for.

Beans – complex carbs for clear vision:  The type of carbohydrates you choose can impact your eye health.  Opt for complex carbs like beans and whole grains instead of simple high-glycemic carbs.  Beans provide essential B vitamins and zinc, which are crucial for maintaining healthy eyesight.

Embrace a holistic approach to eye care

While incorporating these eye-nourishing foods into your diet is a fantastic start, there’s more you can do to safeguard your precious sight.  Shield your delicate eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing a hat or sunglasses with UVB and UVA protection.

When engaging in yard work or any activities that pose potential eye hazards, don a pair of safety glasses to keep your eyes safe.  And, of course, don’t forget to schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor to ensure you haven’t overlooked anything (pardon the pun).

Sources for this article include:

Brightfocus.org
Maculardegneration.net
NIH.gov
Nebraskamed.com
Medicalnewstoday.com