Vision-related problems can develop at any age, but they tend to become more common as you get older. Eating a nutritious diet is one way you can take care of your eyesight and keep your eyes healthy. Carrots are an especially popular option. They contain vitamins that may help relieve dry eye symptoms and may also help improve your vision in low-light conditions.
It’s important to remember that your diet — no matter how nutritious — can only do so much for your health. If you experience symptoms of an eye condition, schedule an exam with your eye doctor. They will assess your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment.
So, are carrots good for your eyes? Read on to learn the benefits of carrots on eye health and what other eye-healthy foods you may want to add to your diet.
Carrots can be eaten raw or cooked, making them a great addition to many types of dishes. They can be prepared in different ways, such as steaming, boiling, and seasoned to taste. However, their nutritional value may change based on the way they are cooked and any added ingredients.
Raw carrots contain a high content of vitamin A and other nutrients. Half a cup, or one serving, contains:
A half-cup serving of raw carrots also make up part of your daily required intake of the following vitamins and minerals:
Beta-carotene is a carotenoid, the orange-yellow pigment that gives carrots their orange color. It’s also present in other fruits and vegetables, including:
Beta-carotene transforms into vitamin A in your body. Vitamin A may help protect your eyes from foreign bacteria and reduce your risk for eye infections.
Here’s how beta-carotene from carrots and other sources may support your eyesight:
Night blindness is a vision problem that makes it difficult to see clearly at night. This can happen if you have another eye condition, such as:
If you have trouble seeing at night, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. They may update your vision prescription and/or recommend taking supplements or eating foods rich in beta-carotene to help you see better in low-light conditions. This may also apply if your night blindness symptoms develop as a result of vitamin A deficiency.
Dry eyes and dry skin could be symptoms of vitamin A deficiency. Eating carrots to increase your beta-carotene intake may help address this because they contain high levels of vitamin A.
However, if your eyes are dry, you should schedule a visit with your eye doctor. They can assess your condition, determine the cause, and recommend treatment.
Researchers have found that beta-carotene may help improve retinal function in people with retinitis pigmentosa. This is a condition in which the retina breaks down and stops functioning properly. It may eventually lead to vision loss.
Beta-carotene could potentially be used as part of a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa in the future, but more research is needed.
There's no way to prevent refractive errors like nearsightedness (myopia), but carrots may improve your eyesight at night and help keep your eyes healthy over time. However, they can't repair damage that has already been done.
If you have a refractive error, your vision can only be corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Your doctor may also recommend refractive surgery as a longer-term treatment option.
Carrots aren't the only vegetables that you can eat to try and keep your eyes healthy. Other foods may also be good for your eyes, especially those that contain the following vitamins and nutrients:
Foods that contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids include:
Foods that are rich in vitamin C include:
High vitamin B content can be found in:
Zinc can be found in:
No matter how nutritious your diet is, it’s important to get your eyes checked regularly. You should also see your eye doctor if you experience any eye-related symptoms or changes to your vision.
During an eye exam, your doctor will check your vision and eye health, assess any symptoms you have, and determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. If they recommend prescription eyeglasses to correct your vision, there are plenty of brands and styles to choose from at FramesDirect.