Protect Vision with Leafy Greens

It is found that people who eat at least two servings of leafy greens, such as collard greens and spinach, are 46 percent less likely to develop macular degeneration. Even though carrots have been considered helpful at maintaining vision, leafy vegetables are more important at keeping eyes healthy.

Leafy greens contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are two carotenoids that are good at helping the eyes to absorb short wavelength light and to protect the retina. They may also help to reduce discomfort from glare, enhance contrast, reduce photostress recovery time, and increase visual range. The American Optometric Association recommends ten milligrams of lutein per day. Leafy greens also contain beta-carotene, which reduces the possibility of developing serious cataracts by 39 percent.