Carrots and Vision

Q: Do carrots actually improve one’s vision?

A: Carrots can improve one’s vision if the person’s diet is lacking in Vitamin A.

Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for good vision.  Consuming the recommended daily amount of Vitamin A is known to provide the following eye benefits:

•         Protects the surface of the eye (cornea)

•         Delays the onset of age-related macular degeneration

•         Prevents dry eye syndrome (chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye)

Consuming the recommended daily amount of Vitamin A is easily achieved by consuming a well balanced diet.  Vitamin A deficient diets are rare in the United States and common food sources are dairy products, fish, fortified cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

It is important to keep in mind that Vitamin A helps maintain good vision and delays some eye issues, but it will not prevent the development of all sight-threatening conditions.