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Being low in calories and high in vitamins, carrots certainly offer several health benefits. But will eating them every day help you maintain perfect eyesight? Not quite. However, there is some truth behind this common claim. Learn more about the link between carrots and eye health below.

Will Eating Carrots Give You Perfect Eyesight?

eye healthSnacking on carrots won’t restore lost vision, prevent all ocular diseases, or improve sight issues caused by the eye’s shape. However, the beta-carotene found in this root vegetable contributes vitamin A to the body—a nutrient known to support eye health, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that vitamin A helps produce pigments in the eye that help you see different spectrums of light. When a person doesn’t get enough vitamin A, they may experience impaired vision in the dark. But vitamin A doesn’t just come from carrots—it is found in many other fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkin, eggs, and dark leafy greens.

Where Does the Belief Come From?

As reported by the Smithsonian, this myth came to surface when Britain’s Royal Air Force developed secret radar technology during World War II. This technology allowed pilots to spot enemy crafts in the night with a new level of precision. Rather than reveal the source of their ability, the organization launched a propaganda campaign that cited carrots as the source of their improved night-vision. When the UK experienced a surplus of carrot supplies, the British Food Ministry touted the benefits of the vegetable as a way to encourage citizens to eat the excess supplies.

How Else Can You Protect Your Eyes?

Although the vitamin A found in carrots and other food items is an essential component of eye health, you can take other steps to prevent vision problems. For example, the National Eye Institute says maintaining a healthy weight and following a nutritionally balanced diet can help prevent medical conditions that cause eye problems, such as diabetes. The organization also recommends avoiding smoking, wearing sunglasses, maintaining proper hygiene, and seeking regular eye exams to help preserve vision.

 

If you’re experiencing vision problems, you’ll need more than a couple of carrots to protect your eye health. Instead, turn to the specialists at Staarman Family Vision Center in Fairfield, OH. Providing everything from routine exams to comprehensive treatment of ocular diseases, these specialists are a reliable and convenient one-stop vision care resource. Visit this clinic online to learn more about their services or call (513) 874-1718 to schedule an appointment with a trusted eye doctor.

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