A registered dietitian reveals 4 foods that support eye health more than carrots

Carrots aren’t the only food that can support healthy vision.

South Carolina-based registered dietitian Lauren Manaker recently explored how a daily diet can help protect eye health in an article for EatingWell, a publication focused on nutrition and healthy living.

Manaker told Fox News Digital that certain nutrients play an important role in maintaining eyesight over time.

Ingredients like lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene help protect the eyes from blue light exposure and age-related damage, while also supporting the health of the retina and other structures involved in vision, he noted.

Here are four foods that can help support vision.

Eggs

Egg yolks are a source of lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that help protect the eyes from harmful exposure to light, explains Manaker.

“These nutrients are important in protecting your eyes from harmful light and supporting long-term vision health,” she said.

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Manaker noted that because lutein and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble nutrients, the natural oils in egg yolks help the body absorb them more effectively. Eggs also provide protein and other important nutrients, making it easy to add to meals such as omelets, cereal dishes or salads.

Pistachios

Pistachios may also support eye health and can be enjoyed as a snack or added to meals to help increase intake of important nutrients.

Including pistachios in your diet is an easy way to support your eyes, whether you eat them or add them to your diet. (Stock)

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that adults who ate 2 ounces of pistachios each day for 12 weeks saw an improvement in a marker linked to eye protection called macular pigment optical density.

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“Pistachios are a natural source of lutein, a plant pigment, and zeaxanthin, which forms the macular pigment in the retina. This pigment helps protect the eyes from light damage, and higher levels are associated with better eye health,” said Manaker.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another food linked to vision support due to their high content of beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A.

Sweet potatoes can benefit your eyes because they contain a lot of beta-carotene, a nutrient that helps the body produce vitamin A. (Stock)

“Sweet potatoes are important to prevent night vision and reduce the risk of dry eyes,” said Manaker.

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Vitamin A helps maintain the health of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, and plays an important role in supporting normal vision, he added.

Spinach

Spinach may also play a role in supporting long-term eye health, Manaker explains.

Spinach can also help protect your eyes and support healthy vision over time. (Stock)

“This leafy green is high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect your eyes from harmful light and reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration,” she said. “It’s also a great source of vitamin C.”

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Spinach can be added to smoothies, mixed into scrambled eggs, tossed into salads or lightly steamed as a side dish to help increase intake of these nutrients.

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