Age-related eye diseases are affected by leafy green vegetables and coloured fruits. These fruits have carotenoids as lutein and zeaxanthin.
These reduce disability, discomfort and enhances contrast, reduces photostress and recovery times is also known to increase visual range.
Pigments help prevent eye diseases like cataract and macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is caused by damages to macula, which is in the centre of retina. Firstly, a blurred spot is seen in the centre, as it spreads the vision shrinks.
Free radicals generated by air pollution, infection are known to cause most of the damage. Pigments of dark-green leafy vegetables collect in the eyes, just snuff out free radicals so that no harm is caused to the eye.
Green vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants. Also, they contain many physiochemicals like vitamin C, flavonoids and cartenoids. Grain products, meats and vegetables are a good source of vitamin B complex which is responsible for red cell metabolism. Beta-carotene, luein, zeakanthin are cartenoids which have antioxidant properties and also reduce risk of related macular degeneration.
Broccoli, green leafy vegetables and yellow vegetables such as squash and sweet corn are known to have lutein & zeaxanthin. Lutein though found all over our body, it gets concentrated in macula of the eye so it is known to reduce risk of age-related eye disease.
Nutrition and nutritional-supplements are important to prevent eye diseases, but proper balanced diet is equally good for eye health and general health.
No single fruit or vegetable will reduce risk for cataract and macular degeneration. Main focus has been on antioxidant vitamin A, C & E, they can be sourced from green peas, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, kiwis, peppers and raw carrots.
Also a high amount of antioxidant, vitamin A, C, E, beta carotene and minerals such as zinc oxide would help slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
