Foods that fight vision loss

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. Left untreated, it can progress to geographic atrophy, a later stage of AMD. “The earliest warning sign is blurring of your central vision or difficulty seeing at night and in low light,” says AMD specialist Jason Miller, M.D. However, AMD can be advanced before symptoms occur. That’s why regular visits to an ophthalmologist to catch (and treat) AMD early are vital. Here’s how you can help protect your sight

- Rebecca Haynes

Channel Popeye

Baby spinach is one of nature’s top sources of nitrates, and adding a handful to your smoothie or salad helps ward off AMD. The reason? Your body easily converts nitrates into nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow to the retina. In fact, an Australian study found that people who ate the most leafy greens were up to 35% less likely to develop AMD than those who rarely ate them.