Making it to your annual eye exam is not the only way you can improve your eye health. Lifestyle habits such as diet also have a huge impact on your vision. At Michigan Eye Institute, we want to help our patients do everything they can to keep their eyes healthy in Dearborn, Southfield, and Livonia, MI. Let’s look at how fruits and vegetables can affect your vision and why you should be adding more of these healthy options to your diet.

Can Food Really Affect My Vision?

What you eat does far more than simply stop feelings of hunger. Your body uses the vitamins and nutrients in the food you eat to build the cells that make up your body.

Your eyes and the intricate system of nerves connecting your eyes to your brain are made up of cells and those cells are made of the food you eat. Your eyes and optic nerves need certain nutrients and vitamins in order to function properly. It is up to you to give your body this in the form of food and possibly supplementation. If there are deficiencies in your diet, they can over time start to affect your eye health and your vision.

Carotenoids and Why You Need Them 

One of the nutrients your eyes need is carotenoids. This is a type of natural pigment. It is found in many bright-colored fruits and vegetables. It is found abundantly in carrots and sweet potatoes. When your eyes are getting enough of this nutrient, they can better process glare and visual contrast. That means you literally see better.

Vitamins A, C, and E

In the vitamin department, eyes need vitamin A, C, and E in adequate quantities in order to function properly. It has been shown through scientific studies that people who have plenty of these vitamins present in their diets are less likely to develop macular degeneration. This is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness. You can load up on these vitamins by eating leafy greens, bell peppers, berries, and anything brightly colored.

Foods That Hurt

Not only are there foods that help improve your vision, but there are also certain foods that can hurt your vision as well. Processed foods that have large amounts of sugar or saturated fat actually damage your eyes in the long run.

To learn more about our services, make an appointment with the optometrist by contacting us at Michigan Eye Institute, now serving Dearborn, Southfield, and Livonia, MI.