A healthy diet is essential in maintaining good health and bodily function. One of the first food items that probably comes to mind when you think about improving your vision is carrots.
In this post, your leading eye doctor, Joel H McGahen OD, discusses whether this vegetable can really help with your eyesight.
The Truth About Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body utilizes to produce Vitamin A. They are good for lowering cholesterol levels and yes, for improving vision. Vitamin A helps the eye convert light to a signal sent to the brain, allowing you to see better in low light.
In Nepal or India, where undernourished people suffer from severe Vitamin A deficiency, vitamin supplements resulted in improved night vision.
If you’re experiencing low vision or any eye issues, visit a specialist immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. Choose an experienced optometrist like Joel H McGahen, OD, who is an expert in different vision problems.
How Many Carrots Do You Need?
According to studies, it is still unclear how much carrots one has to eat to improve their night vision. Most researches are focused on beta-carotene or Vitamin A supplements, but not specifically on carrots. A randomized control study in 2005 compared different vitamin A rich food options that may help address night blindness in pregnant women. Results show that regularly eating 4.5 ounces of carrots for six days a week helped restore the women’s response to darkness to normal levels.
However, some studies suggest that beta-carotene is not converted to Vitamin A and people should just take supplements. In addition, eating too many carrots won’t help your eyesight. When you have enough beta-carotene in your body, it will not be converted into Vitamin A. The body naturally responds against excessive production of Vitamin A to prevent the toxic levels buildup of the substance.
Eat carrots all you’d like. Consuming green, leafy vegetables high in lutein and zeaxanthin like spinach and kale can also help improve and protect your vision.
Aside from eating right, you can maintain your eye’s health through routine eye exams. At Joel McGahen, OD, we are your local and leading provider of eye care. We offer a wide range of treatment options for vision problems including specialized eyeglasses and contact lenses. Call us at (717) 264-4012 or complete our online form. We assist patients in Shippensburg, PA, and other areas in Pennsylvania.