Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, resulting in a gradual loss of vision. Worldwide, cataracts rank as the number one cause of blindness. ARMD occurs when macular cells in the center of the retina deteriorate. It's an inevitable consequence of living. When the stress is greater than the body's ability to fight it, the resulting cell damage is thought to lead to chronic conditions of aging, including cataracts, macular degeneration, heart disease, and cancer.
Carotenoids protect eyes.
Lutein and zeaxanthin in these vegetables are thought to be the protective elements. These pigments are found in concentrated amounts in the retina and protect eyes in two ways. Second, they act as antioxidants, which protect against the oxidation of lipids in the eye. Studies have shown there are low levels of these two nutrients in the retinas of people with both ARMD and cataracts. In addition, people with eye disease typically have low intakes of foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.