Are you one of more than 21 million Americans who suffer from vision trouble?

According to a survey by the Ocular Nutrition Society, 78 percent of baby boomers rank vision as the most important of the five senses. Fifty five percent of those surveyed worry about vision loss, nearly as much as heart disease and cancer. 

Luckily, there are foods and nutrients you can eat to help maintain healthy eyes. Diets rich in lutein and DHA omega-3s may help support positive eye health.

Lutein concentrates in the eye, and more specifically in the macula, a small, highly specialized area of the retina responsible for central vision that is involved in relaying information to the visual cortex of the brain. Research shows that lutein may play an important role in eye health for people of all ages, from infants to adults.

You can find lutein in leafy green vegetables, zucchini, certain fruits and eggs. However, most Americans do not get enough lutein through their diets and consider supplements to ensure they receive adequate amounts.

DHA is a major structural fat in the retina of the eye and it plays an important role in both infant visual development and visual function throughout life. Several studies show improved vision development and visual acuity for infants fed breast milk or formula high in DHA omega-3 fatty acids.   

You can find DHA in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines. Supplements like life’sDHA plus+ Eye Health are also useful if you don’t get enough fish in your diet.  

Take proper care of your eyes by eating well, wearing UV protective sunglasses when you’re in the sun and spending less time staring at computer screens.