Of all the senses, sight is the one most people would least like to lose - but how much thought do we give to the effect of diet on our vision? Probably not much. Traditionally, most nutritional advice tends to emphasise the importance of maintaining average weight, keeping cholesterol levels low, guarding against heart disease and diabetes, and looking after our internal organs. Recommendations relating to eyesight can be summarised in two words - eat carrots.
While there's no question that the tasty, vitamin A-rich tubers can help us see better in the dark, there are plenty of other nutrient-rich foods that are good for the eyes.
According to eye specialist Michel Guillon, two of the three major problems our eyes have as we age are cataracts or a clouding of the eye's lens, resulting in blurred vision and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affecting the yellow disc on the eye's retina. Early symptoms of AMD include distorted or blurred central vision, faded colour vision, and difficulty in focusing sharply. In serious cases, it can lead to blindness.
'AMD is the leading cause of irreversible loss of vision among those in westernised countries,' says Guillon, adding that smoking, drinking, genetics and light exposure are all contributing factors. But a good diet may help.
'A recent study in the US has proved that people with low-level AMD improved when their diets were supplemented with high levels of vitamins A, C and E, and the mineral zinc.
'The action of the three vitamins alone was tested, as was the action of zinc supplementation in isolation. Both were positive, but it seems that the combination of the four works best.'