A healthy diet is important in preventing so many medical conditions. Good nutrition should also be coupled with regular exercise. More and more people are now taking charge of their own health by engaging in active lifestyles and correct eating habits. Proper health maintenance should also include regular eye exams not only for prescription glasses but for early detection of eye diseases as well. This goes for adults and children alike. In regular eye examinations, the doctor will check for early signs of diseases, whether both eyes are working properly and evaluate them as an indicator of overall health.

Prevention of eye diseases such as the age-related macular degeneration and cataracts is possible by ingesting appropriate amounts of certain antioxidants. These antioxidants are present in the food we eat. The antioxidant vitamin A, for instance, helps in reducing the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. It is important in the proper functioning of the retina. A great source of vitamin A is beta-carotene from carrots. 15 milligrams of beta-carotene is equivalent to about 25,000 IU (International Units) of vitamin A. One raw carrot, about 7.5 inches long, contains approximately 20,250 IUs. Boiled carrots (about ½ cup slices) contain approximately 19,150 IUs while ½ cup canned carrot juice has approximately 12,915 IUs.  Keep this in mind when you map out a good diet plan to help maintain eye health. You will need at least 500 milligrams of your vitamin A eye care requirement.

The beta-carotene found in carrots is turned into vitamin A by the enzymes in the liver. Vitamin A, in turn, is absorbed by the retinal cells. Carrots in themselves do not cure eye diseases but eating the right daily amount will help reduce the possibility of developing AMD and the forming of cataract.