As we get older, protecting our eyes becomes increasingly important. A healthy diet can provide nutrients that support the retina, optic nerve, and overall eye health. However, food cannot reliably replace prescribed glaucoma eye drops, lower dangerously high eye pressure on its own, or reverse cataracts and other causes of vision loss.
If an eye specialist has prescribed pressure-lowering drops, continue using them unless the doctor tells you otherwise. Regular eye examinations are especially important because glaucoma can damage the optic nerve before noticeable symptoms appear.
Here are several foods that can be included in a balanced diet to support long-term eye health.
1. Leafy Green Vegetables
Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and other dark leafy greens provide nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which accumulate in the retina and are associated with eye health.
How to eat them
- Add spinach to an omelet.
- Use kale in salads or soups.
- Add leafy greens to vegetable dishes.
- Lightly steam them rather than heavily cooking them.
2. Carrots and Other Orange Vegetables
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