Dennis Gierhart, Ph.D.
CEO, Co-Founder of EyePromise®
Beyond overall health, proper nutrition is imperative for eye health. The eyes are delicate and need specific nutrients to function optimally. Antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein are important for functionality, but they are difficult to get through the daily diet.
Dietary gaps
Most people know they don’t eat as well as they should, but parents know it’s even more difficult to get kids to eat well. Moreover, the detrimental impact poor diet can have on the eyes is often overlooked.
Because the body doesn’t produce important nutrients like zeaxanthin and lutein on its own, we must eat them. Therefore, our zeaxanthin and lutein levels start to decrease through the years unless otherwise supported by nutrition.
Zeaxanthin and lutein can be found in leafy greens and brightly colored fruits and vegetables, but the average person would have to eat 20 ears of corn a day to get the amount of zeaxanthin they need to support their eyes! That’s in addition to all the other healthy foods they should be eating. For many, a daily vitamin becomes an easy way to supplement these nutrients.
Nutrition for children’s eyes
Eating a proper diet is arguably even more important for children. Zeaxanthin and lutein are the foundation for healthy eyes, and they protect the retina from harmful light like UV and blue light. Blue light, which screens give off, can disrupt circadian rhythm, making it more difficult for kids to get a good night’s rest — another important part of healthy development.
Screen time also affects the eyes and brain, which can alter a child’s ability to perform in the classroom and socially. Getting protective, eye-healthy ingredients like zeaxanthin and lutein is critical for their development. Only 11 percent of kids get at least 1 serving of vegetables a day; and far fewer the specific foods that contain these antioxidants. That’s why an eye vitamin containing zeaxanthin and lutein can be an especially good solution for parents battling a child’s finicky palate or screen time habits.
Dennis Gierhart, Ph.D., CEO, Co-Founder of EyePromise®, [email protected]