Too much time in the sun can wreak havoc on your eyes, upping your risk for major eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. To shield your eyes from the sun’s harsh effects, opt for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your shades are large enough to protect your eyes from most angles, and try wearing a wide-brimmed hat to further slash your UV exposure.
Loading up on certain nutrients can also help preserve your vision, according to recent research. For instance, lutein (an antioxidant found in carrots, squash and green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach) may help stave off sun damage to the macula (a structure responsible for central vision). And sulfur-rich foods like garlic, onions and shallots can boost your body’s production of glutathione, an antioxidant that nourishes the lens of the eye and may help prevent the formation of cataracts (a blindness-causing condition linked to excessive sun exposure).
