8 Surprising Foods That Support Healthy Eyes and Clear Vision

Besides carrots, here are some other nutrient-dense foods that can protect your eyesight.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Nutrition and diet play a key role in maintaining healthy eyes and vision. While carrots are well-known for their eye-boosting benefits, there are several other foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can also support eye health. Registered dietitians recommend focusing on foods high in lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce the risk of common eye diseases and conditions.

Why it matters

Eyesight is one of our most important senses, yet many people take their vision for granted. As we age, the risk of developing eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma increases. By incorporating eye-healthy foods into our diets, we can take proactive steps to maintain clear vision and reduce the likelihood of vision loss.

The details

Antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin found in dark leafy greens can help protect the eyes from free radical damage and lower the risk of cataracts and other chronic eye diseases. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc also play crucial roles in supporting eye health and preventing vision impairment. Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, are essential for healthy eyes and visual development.

  • The article was published on March 9, 2026.

The players

Roxana Ehsani

A Miami-based registered dietitian.

Kim Kulp

A registered dietitian and gut health expert in San Francisco.

Lexi Moriarty

A registered dietitian and sports nutrition expert in Westfield, New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“Although people may not realize, the foods you eat can impact eye health and, of course, overall health too. Eating a well-balanced diet can help combat eye conditions and diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eyes.”

— Roxana Ehsani, Registered Dietitian

“The eyes are sensitive to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can cause eye diseases, so antioxidants can help protect eye health and reduce the risk of diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.”

— Kim Kulp, Registered Dietitian

The takeaway

By incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods like dark leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and citrus fruits into your diet, you can take proactive steps to maintain healthy eyes and clear vision as you age. Prioritizing antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals is key to reducing the risk of common eye diseases and conditions.