Malnutrition can affect eyesight, and experts warn that certain dietary choices may influence eye health. Nurlana Askerova, an ophthalmologist at the Vidnovsky Clinical Hospital in the Moscow region, explains that maintaining a balanced diet is key to safeguarding vision and reducing the risk of partial vision loss. In discussions with the Public News Service, she pointed to specific foods to watch and limit, including alcohol, white bread, and fried items.
The doctor notes that persistent alcohol use can harm the optic nerve and may contribute to progressive vision problems over time.
She also cautions that alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate, which can elevate intraocular pressure. When pressure builds up, the eye tissues may suffer, potentially affecting vision in both the short and long term.
White bread and other refined flour products were identified as items to limit. Flour-based foods contain starch that is rapidly digested, triggering insulin release. Quick starch absorption can disrupt nutrient balance and may influence eye development and health. The recommendation is to reduce overall carbohydrate intake from staples such as pasta, rice, and potatoes to support stable eye function.
Additionally, the expert advises moderating foods high in additives, including snacks and sugary beverages. Choosing a diet with fewer processed items helps manage salt intake, which can influence intraocular pressure, and may support healthier blood flow to the vessels supplying the eye.
Early on, it was noted that Russians should consider eye health when using digital devices. Maintaining a comfortable distance from screens, ensuring proper lighting, and taking regular breaks can reduce strain on vision during extended screen time.
There is a growing emphasis on practical approaches to eye comfort at work and home, with guidance leaning toward natural lighting, deliberate breaks, and mindful screen use. The idea that wearing special computer glasses automatically improves eye health has been contested by medical professionals, who recommend balanced routines and evidence-based practices to protect vision.