It’s no secret that green leafy vegetables have many health benefits to offer–but did you know they’re particularly good for your eyes? Green veggies are excellent sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, potent antioxidants that help with vision.

Spectrum Eye Care, a trusted provider of eye exam services, shares more information about leafy greens and eye health.

Benefits of Leafy Greens

Here are some of the eye health benefits that leafy greens can provide:

1. Reduce the risk of macular degeneration – Macular degeneration is a condition that causes central vision irregularities, such as difficulty seeing the things in front of you.

2. Prevent cataract formation – Cataracts occur when the protein your lenses disintegrates, forming clumps. This results in cloudy vision and can even lead to total blindness.

3. Protect your eyes from blue light-related problems – Lutein and zeaxanthin, which can be found in dark, leafy greens, help filter blue rays and prevent retinal damage. They can also reduce your risk of developing eye strain or discomfort due to the use of gadgets for long periods.

How to Make Leafy Greens More Appetizing

Salads aren’t the only way to eat leafy greens. Your local optometrist at Spectrum Eye Care shares some fun ways to incorporate these veggies in your diet.

1. Spinach and peanut butter smoothie – Combine one banana, a cup of milk, one tablespoon of peanut butter, ice cubes and a handful of spinach into a blender to make this yummy treat.

2. Arugula pizza – Use arugula as topping for your pizza or pasta.

3. Kale chips – Grab a bunch of kale, cut the leaves off the stems, and tear them into bite-sized pieces. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10-15 minutes in a 350-degree preheated oven.

Spectrum Eye Care offers a range of eye care services including special eye testing, LASIK eye surgery, dry eye treatments and more. We ensure the highest quality of vision care for our patients, so you can have peace of mind when you’re with our staff. Call us at (704) 543-9000 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment at our Charlotte, NC, clinic.