Optometry Practice

Christl Huber M.D.
Optometry · Natural Medicine

Carrots are good for the eyes

Carrots are good for the eyes - that's old knowledge and it's true!

Carotinoids such as vitamin A are important for the nutrition of the retina, visual cells, conjunctiva and cornea. They build up important UV protection in the skin and eye tissues. Especially in summer, the eyes are particularly strained by the sun, wind, sea and swimming pool water.

Make your eyes summer-fit

For many, eye stress doesn't stop with the start of the holiday season. Internet travel preparation, long car journeys, dry air on the plane are stressful for the eyes. But even those who take their vacation a little more calmly and stay at home can do a lot for good vision with good food.

Eat well to see well

Vitamin A is important for good vision and is effective against night blindness. It promotes the function of the visual cells as well as brain and nerve cells in the body. It improves the UV protection of the eyes and skin and strengthens the eye tissues such as the cornea and conjunctiva.

Vitamin C is also an important nutrient for keeping the eyes healthy. It builds up protective collagen tissue and supports the regeneration of the cornea and conjunctiva. Vitamin C is important for dry, irritated eyes caused by stress, wind, dust and sun.

Lutein has a special function in the eye. It is a carotene like vitamin A and has the highest concentration in the body in the retina. Lutein is the internal sun protection for the eyes. It acts as a UV filter in the photoreceptor cells and protects against macular degeneration.

Flavonoids build up the color in dark berries such as in blueberries and also act as protection against UV radiation. But they also have an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-allergic effect.

Eye food = red + yellow + dark green food

  • Dark berries such as blue berries, strawberries, cherries, blue grapes
  • Yellow fruits like oranges, apricots, apples, melon, papaya
  • Red and yellow vegetables like carrots, peppers, corn, potatoes
  • Dark green vegetables like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, green peppers
  • Salmon, seafood, butter, cheese, eggs, liver and also a glass of red wine

Dried fruits are the ideal snack for on the go: Mix blue grapes, cranberries, cherries, apricots, apples Caution: prunes have a laxative effect

Bright summer sun blinds the eyes

Especially in southern latitudes, in the mountains and by the sea. Good sunglasses are necessary to protect the eyes from UV radiation. However, if there is increased sensitivity to glare, it may be due to corneal inflammation or conjunctivitis. The cause can be: 

  • high air dryness and heat
  • Dust and sweat in the eyes
  • Wind, drafts, air conditioning fans
  • Too much UV radiation without sunglasses (mountains and sea)
  • Swimming pool water, unclean lake water
  • Unnoticed problems with contact lenses

Do not forget eye drops (artificial tears) and contact lens care and keep them in a cool place. Consult an ophthalmologist if symptoms persist. Older people find the bright light particularly uncomfortable in summer.