PERFECT PEEPERS

ADD THESE EYE HEALTH NUTRIENTS TO YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL LIST

- RUDRANI BANIK, MD

Back-to-school season may seem more challenging than ever this year. Whether our children will be learning in school, virtually or a hybrid of both, one of the most important, yet often overlooked necessities for learning is eye health. Healthy vision is critical to a child’s success in school, physical development and overall wellbeing. With increased demands of screen time, due to social distancing, and the increased exposure to blue light, it has become necessary to focus on ways to support children’s vision.

Necessary Nutrients for the Eyes

Essential to maintaining excellent vision in children are the nutrients that support eye health, and this can be ensured through the proper intake of foods and supplements that provide these nutrients. The most important nutrients for eye health include the macular carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin); vitamins A, C and E; zinc; selenium; anthocyanins; and omega-3 fatty acids.

The Macular Carotenoids

Nature has provided our eyes with internal antioxidants and blue light protection - three pigments called lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin. Collectively referred to as the “macular carotenoids,” these three pigments are found in high concentrations within the macula, or central retina. These pigments act as a frontline defense by filtering high-energy blue light and protecting against the effects of prolonged screen time. Out of all three pigments, meso-zeaxanthin is the most potent of the macular carotenoids because of its powerful antioxidant capability. Essentially, the three macular carotenoids are our innate blue blockers.

Because we cannot make these protective pigments that our eyes need, we must get them from diet or from supplementation.