Taking care of your eyes and vision doesn't have to be difficult: It can start with what you eat. By ensuring that you have a balanced diet with key vitamins and minerals, you can easily maintain not just your overall health but your eye health, too. Fortunately, these vitamins are likely already in the foods you regularly eat, but if you're looking to boost your eye health, consider incorporating them into more of your meals.

If you're curious about supplements, speak with your doctor first, and do not make any drastic changes to your diet without consulting them. Your eye doctor can also provide insight into your eye health during your regular eye exam, so make sure you have that on the calendar.

The best vitamins and supplements for eye health 

In addition to a balanced diet, here are the best vitamins and supplements for your eyes. Luckily, you can get most of these added supplements for less than $10.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A supports your vision, immune system, heart, lungs and overall growth and development. Specifically, vitamin A helps you see a full spectrum of light, as the vitamin produces pigments in the retina. It can also keep your eyes from drying out. You can find vitamin A in foods such as salmon, broccoli, fortified breakfast cereals, eggs and carrots.

You have probably heard of the magic of carrots. Yes, it's true: Carrots are great for your eyes. Carrots (and other vividly colored fruits and vegetables) are high in beta-carotene, which is a compound that your body uses to make vitamin A. Beta-carotene is also available in a supplement form, although it isn't as common as vitamin A and is often more expensive.

Foods with vitamin A

- Salmon
- Broccoli
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Eggs
- Carrots

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is like sunscreen for your eyes: It helps protect them from UV damage. The more time you spend outside and under the sun, the greater the risk for damage. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, too long in the sun can cause irreversible damage. Vitamin C can also lower your risk of cataracts, a disease that causes the lens of your eyes to become cloudy.

While a recent study found that vitamin C supplementation was effective in patients who were already vitamin C deficient, more studies are needed to truly understand the relationship between vitamin C and a lower risk of cataracts. In addition to getting enough vitamin C, avoid tanning beds, and if you are outside, wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes.

Foods with vitamin C

- Kale
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Strawberries

Omega-3s

Optometrists regularly recommend their patients consume omega-3s, and if a patient isn't getting enough of these fatty acids in their diet, try a supplement. Omega-3s are mainly found in fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel or herring and some nuts and seeds.

The American Optometric Association points to omega-3s as a nutrient that can slow the progress of age-related macular degeneration. Studies have also found that they can help prevent dry eye disease. These nutrients are great for both conditions due to their anti-inflammatory effects.

Foods with omega-3s

- Tuna
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Herring
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseed
- Walnuts

Read more: Best Multivitamins

Vitamin E

Another powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is vital to all our cells and cell functions. It helps to protect our bodies from cancer-causing free radicals and plays an important role in vision. Studies have shown that vitamin E can help protect the retinas from free radicals that can cause eye disease.

Vitamin C, another antioxidant, has more properties that help regeneration. Vitamin E can only help to protect the cells already there. But vitamin E can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. The American Optometric Association recommends 400 IU of vitamin E a day.

Foods with vitamin E

- Sunflower seeds
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Collared greens
- Red bell peppers
- Mangoes
- Avocados

Zinc

Zinc is found in almost all multivitamins because it is such an essential nutrient to the body. It is used to boost the immune system and help the body heal from wounds quickly. Zinc also aids in eye health.

Zinc helps vitamin A create melanin (a pigment that protects the eyes) and may shield the eyes from age-related macular degeneration. The American Optometric Association recommends 40 to 80 mg a day to slow the progression.

Foods with zinc

- Meat
- Shellfish
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Pumpkin seeds
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Milk

Read more: Best Zinc Supplements

Lutein and zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are known to be important to our eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in red and yellowish fruits and vegetables, as these compounds give the produce their vibrant colors. Carotenoids, also powerful antioxidants, are vital to eye health. They protect the eyes from free radicals that can cause damage. Lutein and zeaxanthin, specifically, have been found to prevent damage to retinas.

These carotenoids can also slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. The American Optometric Association recommends a daily amount of 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin. While you can find lutein and zeaxanthin in supplement form, one bottle is on the pricier side. You may find it better, easier and more affordable to just eat more fruits and vegetables.

Foods with lutein and zeaxanthin

- Kale
- Spinach
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Orange juice
- Red peppers
- Honeydew melons
- Grapes

What to consider

Most vitamins and supplements are generally considered safe for people to take, as they're nutrients your body naturally requires. You should always talk to your doctor before starting any supplements. Some vitamins and supplements can interact with various medications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new vitamins or supplements in conjunction with certain medications. Especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a medical provider first. Your doctor should be able to safely guide you to the best vitamins and supplements for eye health, as well as proper dosages.

Eye health tips

In addition to the best vitamins and supplements for eye health, there are other ways you can protect your eyes and preserve your vision health:

• Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses block harmful UV light, decreasing your risk of cataracts, eye cancer and sunburn.
• Screen breaks: The American Optometric Association recommends the 20-20-20 rule, which states that every 20 minutes, you look away from your screen at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Physical activity: The American Academy of Ophthalmology reported on a study that found a correlation between exercise and eye damage prevention, though more studies are needed.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking cigarettes can lead to eye diseases that result in vision loss and blindness, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
• Get regular eye exams: Even if you have perfect vision, it is important to regularly get an eye exam to catch potential issues early. How often you should get an eye exam depends on your age. For instance, people ages 20 to 39 should get an eye exam every 5 years, while those ages 65 and up should get an eye exam every 1 to 2 years.
• Remove your makeup: Before bed, always remove your makeup to prevent eye irritation and inflammation.

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