Paul Bernstein, MD, PhD, was a principal investigator in two benchmark studies known as the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS 1 and AREDS2), which zeroed in on the effects of certain antioxidants for eye health, including:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Beta-carotene
• Zinc
• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin

The AREDS studies focused on people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—a disease that takes away the detail and color at the center of vision, blocking out letters and faces. The studies concluded that patients with moderate and advanced AMD could benefit from antioxidant supplements.

“If you don’t have AMD, we don’t see a need to take high-dose supplements, but no matter what, it is always wise to focus on a good heart- and eye-healthy diet,” Bernstein notes.

And that healthy diet includes carrots.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers this rundown on specific foods that are good for your eyes.