National Glaucoma Awareness Month

January 9, 2007

More than two million Americans suffer from glaucoma. January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, the perfect time for a reminder that making good food choices can help keep your eyes healthy.

Vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin are three compounds found in food that are essential for good eye health.

Vitamin A promotes normal vision and helps you see in the dark by adjusting to lower levels of light. Good sources of vitamin A are carrots, papaya, milk and kale and cantaloupe.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, eggs, kiwi, red grapes, yellow squash, oranges, corn, mangoes and honeydew melon. They help keep the lens, retina and the pigment of the macula (the central area of the eye) healthy.

You’ve probably noticed these foods have many benefits for your overall health, in addition to being good for your eyes. One of the best things you can do to keep your eyes healthy is to consume five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team