Foods for the Eyes

Healthy Foods 1 Minute

The eye is one of the most amazing organs in the body. The human eye is a specialized sense organ that:

  • Allows us to see the world
  • Acts as part of the sensory nervous system
  • Reacts to light and allows vision

In order to effectively accomplish the above tasks the eye needs to continuosly send information to the brain through the optic nerve. The eye therefore needs a small amount of oxygen and a few nutrients found in foods.

Simple structure of the eye

The Sclera

The outer covering of the eyeball consists of a relatively tough, white layer called sclera (or white of the eye).

The conjunctiva

Near the front of the eye, in the area protected by the eyelids, the sclera is covered by a thin transparent membrane called the conjunctiva which runs to the edge of the cornea.

The Cornea

This is the most important part of the eye. The cornea focuses as light enters the eye. It is made of clear tissue. Like clear glass the cornea gives the eye a clear window to see the world through.

The most common eye problems

  • Cataracts
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Glaucoma
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Muscular degeneration of the retina
  • Night blindness
  • Loss of visual sharpness

Foods for the eye

  1. Vitamin A: It is necessary for the formation of the pigment found in the cells of the retina. It is also necessary for maintaining the conjunctiva, the front membrane of the eye moist and in good condition.

Sources of Vitamin A are; apricot, carrots, mangoes, papaya (papaw), pumpkin, kale and other leafy green vegetables.

  • Carotenoids: These are natural dyes found in plant-based foods. They act as antioxidants which flash out toxins, and help to prevent muscular degeneration of the retina.

Sources of carotenoids are: apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, guava, kale, mangoes, peaches, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, tangerines, tomatoes, watermelon, squash, beef liver, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, grape fruits, coconut

  • Vitamin C and E: These are also antioxidants that flash out poisons from the body, and are found exclusively in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grain germ. Their lack leads to cataracts and vision loss.

Conclusion

To keep the eyes healthy you need to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains.

Published by Sr Felicity Therese Drakuru

Hello, I am Sr. Felicity Therese Drakuru, a retired teacher turned writer. I live in Uganda, my home country. I am a Religious Sister belonging to the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu of the Archdiocese of Gulu. I write about the things I like to talk about. My passion is; the most favorable health for me and others. I have developed this passion because of the preventable ill-health I have seen in myself and in others. Some years ago I was diagnosed of hypertension and type 2 diabetes. I know that these diseases come about mainly due to lifestyle more that from inbuilt physiological weaknesses. I have learned that these diseases and a host of others are preventable or curable by what we eat. I have also experienced this due to my healthy foods which have controlled my high blood pressure and blood sugar to normal levels. I want to share this truth with anyone out there and I would like everyone to enjoy optimum health in order to serve the world better. The foods I will write about are mainly plant based foods. In recent years nutritional research has concentrated on the effect of diet on the prevention and treatment of circulatory disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity since these are the most frequent. Research has shown that the abundant consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals and nuts prevents the initiation of certain cancers or circulatory complications. Through massive research I am in position to tell others which foods and plants can lead to the best health status and possibly prevent, cure or reduce the effects of which diseases.

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