Research shows that nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining the health of our eyes. Therefore, the American Optometric Association (AOA) reminds Americans that caring for eyes includes looking carefully at what you eat.

According to the AOA’s American Eye-Q(R) survey, which assesses public knowledge and understanding of a wide range of issues related to eye and visual health, only 30 percent of Americans indicate they incorporate specific foods or supplements into their diet to help improve eye health and vision.

Six nutrients – antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin; essential fatty acids; vitamins C and E and the mineral zinc – have been identified as helping to protect eye sight and promote eye health. Since the body doesn’t make these nutrients naturally, it’s important that they are incorporated into a daily diet and, in some cases, supplemented through vitamins.  

The AOA encourages consumers to make dietary changes in order to experience a big impact with vision and to maintain eye health by scheduling yearly, comprehensive eye exams with an eye doctor. For more information on health and nutrition, please see the infographic below.