Lemons, those bright yellow citrus fruits, are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering a range of health benefits. In particular, the vitamin C found in lemons is known to help prevent macular degeneration and other age-related eye issues. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant.
But here’s a crucial warning: while lemons offer benefits when consumed, applying lemon juice directly to your eyes can be dangerous.
The pH Factor: Why Lemon Juice and Eyes Don’t Mix
Lemon juice is highly acidic due to its ascorbic and citric acid content. A study in the *Journal of the American Dental Association* revealed that lemon juice has a pH of 2.25. In contrast, the human eye has a pH of 7.4.
Putting something acidic in your eyes will cause stinging and pain. If you were to put pure lemon juice in your eye, there’s a good chance you might even end up with an acid burn, resulting in a cloudy, damaged cornea. According to the *Oman Journal of Ophthalmology*, acidic substances can also increase intraocular pressure and damage the collagen fibers and ciliary bodies in your eyes.
The (Limited) Benefits of Nutrients
Lemon juice contains small amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, choline, riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin are crucial nutrients for eye health, according to a June 2013 study in the journal *Clinical Interventions in Aging*. With the exception of vitamin A, lemon juice contains all of these nutrients. However, you shouldn’t apply lemon juice to your eyes to get these benefits.
Why Some People Used Lemon Juice
Despite the risks, some people may believe that lemon juice can help with eye problems. There are anecdotal stories of individuals using lemon juice for eye ailments. However, these practices are not supported by scientific evidence and can be harmful.
What To Do If You Get Lemon Juice in Your Eye
If you accidentally get lemon juice in your eye, immediately rinse it thoroughly with plenty of water. While lemon juice may cause irritation, it’s unlikely to cause long-term vision problems if you rinse your eyes well.
Healthy Drinks for Your Eyes
Instead of risking damage by putting lemon juice directly into your eyes, consider incorporating these healthy drinks into your diet to support eye health:
- Water: Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, including eye health. Water helps prevent dry eyes and keeps blood flowing to the eyes.
- Lemon Water: Adding lemon to your water can provide beneficial nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C, which can help protect against macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Orange Juice: Orange juice contains flavonoids that can help fight inflammation and boost the immune system, potentially protecting against macular degeneration.
- Carrot Juice: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that can help fight cataracts and macular degeneration. Carrots also contain lutein, which can protect the eyes from damage from phone lights and sunlight.
- Spinach/Kale Juice: Spinach contains alpha lipoic acid, which can help lower glucose levels and fight diabetic-related eye diseases. Kale is high in lutein and zeaxanthin, protecting against light damage, macular degeneration, and cataracts, and may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Important Note: These juices should be consumed as drinks. Do not put them directly in or near your eyes.
The Takeaway
While lemons offer valuable nutrients, putting lemon juice directly into your eyes is a dangerous practice that can lead to acid burns, corneal damage, and increased intraocular pressure. To support your eye health, focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and consider incorporating the healthy drinks listed above into your daily routine.