According to scientists, many people are a bit, shall we say, nearsighted when it comes to protecting their eyes. That's because eating a lot of carrots, despite popular belief, will not reverse or prevent poor eyesight. However, there is evidence to support the beneficial role that carrots play in protecting against age-related eye diseases.

Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which, along with other vitamins and minerals (such as vitamins C and E, and leutin) has been shown to stave off macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older adults.

Eating carrots, so it would seem, is a preventative measure that can be taken against future eye disease, but should not be expected to help you switch to a weaker prescription.