The Healthy Eye In order to understand eye disease, it is important to understand how a healthy eye functions. Light rays enter the eye through the cornea, pupil and lens.  These light rays are focused directly onto the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye.  The retina converts light rays into impulses; sent through the optic nerve to your brain, where they are recognized as images.
HOW THE EYE WORKS. Click here to read about How the Eye Works. (.PDF Document)

Nutrition and Sight: Seeing Well As You Grow Older

Latest studies show that fruit and vegetables of green and yellow colors are beneficial for retina health because they contain zeaxanthin and lutein, which are pigments with a strong healing effect. The most important foods for preventing macular degeneration are ones that are rich in the antioxidants beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin, plus zinc and omega-3 fats.

~Carrots-Mom was right! Carrots are loaded with beta carotene, an antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of macular
degeneration and cataracts.
                                          

~Bell Peppers, Broccoli & Brussels Sprouts-These three Bs provide a blast of Vitamin C, another key antioxidant shown to specifically protect the eyes.

~Turkey-Turkey is rich in zinc-- one of the critical ingredients for maintaining healthy eyes.
                                                   

~Spinach-Spinach provides four eye -protecting ingredients! Vitamin C, beta carotene and large amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin.

~ Wild Salmon & Sardines-Yes, omega-3 fats EVEN help your eyes. Studies have shown that regularly eating foods rich in omega-3 fats can help protect tiny blood vessels buried within the eyes.