HEALTHY EYESIGHT -by Dr. Weil

If you or someone you know is getting on in years, you may want to consider supplementing with lutein. Lutein and another carotenoid, zeaxanthin, form the yellow pigment of the retina and absorb blue light, a potentially harmful component of sunlight.


There is very good evidence that the lutein in food helps protect against cataracts and macular degeneration, which are common, age-related eye disorders. It is one of the yellow and orange pigments found in many fruits and vegetables, including mangoes, sweet potatoes, watermelon, carrots, squash, tomatoes and dark, leafy greens (such as kale, collards and bok choy). The best thing you can do to prevent eye disorders is to make sure that your diet contains plenty of lutein-rich fruits and vegetables. To get zeaxanthin, orange bell peppers, oranges and honeydew melon are good additions to the foods listed above. If possible, always buy organic fruits and vegetables.


Vitamins for Healthy Eyes
Vitamins can be used prudently to supplement diets that are lacking in certain areas. Lutein and zeaxanthin in supplement form may be beneficial if your diet is not rich in antioxidant foods.