Food First, Evidence In Context

Diet & Nutrition for Eye Health

A balanced eating pattern supports overall health, including eye health. Nutrition may influence some age-related eye diseases, but it cannot prevent every condition or replace eye exams, diagnosis, or treatment.

The practical takeaway

Choose a varied diet with vegetables, fruit, whole foods, and fish when appropriate. AREDS2 supplements are intended only for certain people with AMD, so ask your eye doctor whether the formula applies to your diagnosis and other health needs.

Antioxidants and Age-Related Eye Disease

Researchers have studied whether antioxidant-rich diets and vitamin or mineral supplements affect age-related eye disease. Current evidence supports the AREDS2 supplement formula for some people with intermediate AMD or late AMD in one eye, but supplements are not a cure and are not recommended for every patient. For most people, a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and fish is a practical starting point.

Nutrition and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the central part of the retina that supports reading, driving, and other detail-focused activities. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Early AMD may not cause symptoms, and depending on the stage, management may include monitoring, smoking cessation, healthy lifestyle choices, AREDS2 supplements for selected patients, and treatment for wet AMD when needed.

Nutrition and Cataracts

Cataracts are common with aging and can make vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful. Good nutrition supports overall health, but surgery remains the only way to remove a cataract. Regular eye exams help determine when cataracts are affecting daily activities enough to discuss treatment.

Related eye care

Understand AMD and cataracts

Read the plain-language entries for macular degeneration and cataracts.

Discuss your individual risk

A comprehensive eye exam can identify findings that determine whether monitoring, treatment, or specialist care is appropriate.

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Sources and review status

This page received an informational editorial review using National Eye Institute resources on AREDS and AREDS2, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. The review is not a clinical review or endorsement by an Optima Optometry clinician.