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Eating Tips for Low Vision

Low vision is a bilateral vision impairment that cannot be corrected by medicine, surgery or conventional eye wear or contact lenses. The symptoms of low vision are loss of sharpness, light sensitivity, distorted vision or loss of contrast. Low vision occurs as the result of a birth defect, injury, aging or other disease. Foods cannot cure low vision, but certain foods can help to prevent further damage to remaining vision.

  1. Foods Rich in Vitamin C

    • Eat foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to help prevent age-related eye diseases and premature aging of the eye. It also helps to prevent cataracts. Citrus fruits are very rich in vitamin C. Oranges, tangerines, lemons, cantaloupe, grapefruit, papaya and mangoes are all good sources of vitamin C. Soy beans, goat milk and yogurt also contain vitamin C.

    Foods Rich in Vitamin E

    • Vitamin E has a lot of the same health benefits as vitamin C. It also helps to prevent age-related eye diseases and premature aging of the eye. In addition, vitamin E protects eye cells from free radical damage, according to the American Optometric Association. The vitamin is found in sweet potatoes and nuts. The vitamin is a fat-soluble vitamin, so if you take it as a pill supplement, take it with a fatty meal for better digestion.

    Foods with Beta-Carotene

    • Fruits and vegetables with reddish pigment that are high in beta-carotene are good for eye health. For instance, cantaloupe, carrots and squash are all rich in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene, also known as pro-vitamin A, helps prevent age-related eye diseases and helps you to recognize images and discriminate between colors. Beta-carotene also helps with night vision.

    Foods with Zinc

    • The National Eye Institute advises that people with vision problems should consume zinc. Liver, roast beef, lamb, nuts such as cashews and almonds, chickpeas, kidney beans, and seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower and sesame, are all rich sources of zinc. Fortified breakfast cereals also provide zinc. Zinc reduces the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration. It also contains vitamin A, which promotes healthy cell growth in the eyes.

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