Does Carrot Really Enhance Vision? Experts Reveal the Scientific Truth

The belief that eating carrots improves eyesight is still common around the world, but eye care experts confirm that this idea has some truth to it, though it does not reach miraculous levels.

Dr. Jonathan Rubinstein, head of the ophthalmology department at Rush Medical Center, explains that carrots contribute to eye health, but they do not exceptionally improve night vision as some believe.
The spread of

this idea dates back to World War II, when the British Ministry of Food launched a propaganda campaign that included posters encouraging the consumption of carrots, claiming that it helps with vision in the dark during power outages, as part of promoting available food at the time.

The Nutritional Value of Carrots and Its Limitations

Carrots are high in "beta-carotene," which the body converts into vitamin "A," an essential element for maintaining eye health. However, experts point out that carrots are not the only source of this compound, as good amounts are also available in leafy vegetables like spinach and cabbage, although their green color masks the orange hue produced by beta-carotene.
Rubinstein confirms that excessive consumption of carrots does not lead to additional improvement in vision; rather, its effect remains within supporting the natural functions of the eye.

The Role of Vitamin A in the Vision Mechanism

The retina contains two main types of light-sensitive cells: cones responsible for color differentiation and visual acuity, and rods that play a crucial role in night and peripheral vision. Vitamin "A" is essential for the efficient functioning of these cells, especially the rods that rely on it to produce the protein "rhodopsin," which is responsible for capturing light in low-light conditions.
A deficiency of this vitamin leads to a decline in night vision ability and may develop into what is known as night blindness, which is one of the most prominent preventable causes of vision loss, especially among children in some parts of the world.

Risks of Excessive Carrot Consumption

Experts warn that excessive consumption of carrots does not enhance vision but may lead to a condition known as "carotenemia," a harmless disorder that causes the skin to turn yellow-orange due to the accumulation of beta-carotene in the body, and this condition often resolves after reducing the intake of beta-carotene-rich foods.

Other Nutritional Elements Essential for Eye Health

Eye health is not limited to vitamin "A" alone; it requires a variety of nutrients, most notably omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, which support retinal functions, in addition to vitamin "E" available in nuts that helps reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Vitamin "C" found in fruits also contributes to reducing the risk of cataracts, especially when combined with healthy nutrition, quitting smoking, and protection from ultraviolet rays.

A Balanced Diet is Key to Maintaining Vision Health

Experts conclude that carrots are part of a healthy diet that supports the eyes, but they do not constitute a standalone treatment for vision diseases. Maintaining a balanced and varied diet that includes vegetables, fruits, fish, and nuts, along with a healthy lifestyle, remains the most effective option for preserving vision health and quality in the long term.