Your eyes rely on good nutrition just as much as the rest of your body. While no single food will suddenly damage your vision, regularly eating certain unhealthy foods may increase your risk of developing eye conditions over time.
A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help support healthy eyesight, while limiting heavily processed foods may reduce the risk of chronic diseases that affect the eyes.
Here are five types of foods you should enjoy in moderation if you want to protect your vision.
1. Foods High in Refined Sugar
Sugary snacks, soft drinks, candy, pastries, and many processed foods contain large amounts of refined sugar.
Eating too much sugar over time can contribute to obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which increase the risk of diabetic eye disease. Frequent blood sugar spikes may also damage the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina.
Healthier choices:
- Fresh fruit
- Plain yogurt
- Nuts
- Whole-grain snacks
2. Foods Rich in Saturated and Trans Fats
Fried foods, processed meats, fast food, and many packaged baked goods are often high in saturated or trans fats.