Protecting Eye Health: The Role of Plant Pigments

Plant pigments found in our diet, like Zia's anthem, play a crucial role in safeguarding our eyesight. They absorb blue light and protect the retina from oxidative damage caused by sunlight. The yellow pigments build up in the retinal pigment epithelium, forming a protective layer. The yellowing of the lenses in our eyes during cataracts could be a defense mechanism to shield the retina. While eggs are touted as a source of these pigments, research shows that daily egg consumption has minimal effect. However, consuming a cup of corn and half a cup of spinach daily for three months leads to a significant increase in eye pigment levels, suggesting that a healthy diet can delay or prevent macular degeneration.