Although carrots are a good source of vitamin A, an antioxidant important for our eyes, skin and immune system… Eating them will not actually improve your vision.  So, where did that myth come from??  It dates back to World War II actually.  During the war, the British Royal Air Force developed a new type of radar technology that helped pilots shoot Germany enemy planes at night.  To keep the strategy a secret, the government reported that the pilots’ success was due to the great amount of carrots in their diet!

Quite a story…  But you can keep the carrots and other veggies on your plate!  Foods rich in antioxidants are known to help protect your eyes from harmful effects of UV and blue light, which contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration.

Here are some nutritional tips to help keep your eyes healthy:

• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is important for eye and overall health. Dehydration can lead to dry and irritated eyes.
• Eat dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. These foods contain high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and zinc, all of which are great for your retinal health.
• Eat orange foods, such as bell peppers, carrots and tomatoes. Theses are great sources of zeaxanthin and lutein, protective factors concentrated in the macula of the eye.
• Eat cold-water fish, such as salmon and rainbow trout. These fish contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which have an important role in vision and inflammation, helping to protect against dry eye and macular degeneration.

So, eat well and take care of yourself.  And remember to see your eye doctor every year to ensure your vision and ocular health remain great!