Do you eat carotenoids regularly? Found in green leafy vegetables and colored fruits, carotenoids have been found to increase visual performance and may prevent age-related eye diseases, according to a study in the Journal of Food Science. A study was conducted at the University of Georgia that compared the effects of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin on visual performance.

Need more reasons to eat right? Lutein and zeaxanthin found in certain fruits and veggies can reduce discomfort from glare, enhance contrast, and reduce photostress recovery times. They can also reduce glare from light absorption and increase the visual range. Pass the fruit bowl.

Suggested Reading: Nutrients for Eye Health

_{Source: Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).
Eat Fruits And Vegetable For Better Vision. Medical New Today, 17 Dec 2009.}

_{Photo © Kris Timken / Getty Images}

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that usually affects older adults. AMD results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) because of damage to the retina. The sometimes blinding disease occurs in "dry" and "wet" forms...learn about the causes and symptoms of both.

Suggested Reading:

• All About Macular Degeneration
• AMD Risk Factors
• Tips for AMD Patients

Don't let a serious eye injury ruin your holidays this season. Some popular children's gifts can cause serious eye injuries. December is Safe Toys and Celebrations Month. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds parents of the dangers that toys may pose to children's eyes and offers these tips on how to choose safe toys for gift-giving:

• Select only those gifts that are appropriate for your child's age and maturity level.
• Do not purchase toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts.
• Supervise small children when playing with potentially hazardous toys that could cause injury.
• Think twice before giving darts, air or pellet guns or other firearms.

_{Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology}

Although not for everyone, custom LASIK takes traditional LASIK to a new level, better correcting a wider range of vision problems. Do you know the benefits of custom LASIK?