When lutein and zeaxanthin are absorbed by the body, these compounds accumulate as yellow pigments in the retina and act as a filter to prevent blue light from entering the eye.īuilding on studies in the 1980s that examined the visual range capabilities of pilots, Hammond and Renzi-Hammond conducted additional research on how macular pigment density, which refers to the amount of yellow pigment in the retina, correlates with various measures of eye health and functional vision tests. However, consuming more foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin can naturally enhance the eye’s ability to handle blue light exposure, according to Harth. Many athletes already employ strategies to mitigate the impact of blue light, such as wearing eye black or using blue-blocking sunglasses. “In both cases, atmospheric interference obstructs the path of the light, making the target less visible.” Vegetables help mitigate blue light “For example, from the perspective of a center fielder, if a ball is hit up in the air, it will be seen against a backdrop of bright blue sky or a gray sky on a cloudy day,” Harth explained. The diminished clarity and increased blurriness of objects as they move farther from the observer can be partially attributed to the effects of blue light. “In our paper, we discuss their potential to enhance far-distance vision or visual range.” “While much of the research on macular lutein and zeaxanthin has focused on their health benefits, from a functional standpoint, higher concentrations of these plant pigments improve various aspects of visual and cognitive abilities,” Jack Harth, study lead author and doctoral candidate in UGA’s College of Public Health, said in a statement. Hammond and Lisa Renzi-Hammond at UGA had already demonstrated that consuming foods rich in macular pigments, such as dark leafy greens and yellow and orange vegetables, can have positive effects on eye and brain health. Visual range, which refers to an individual’s ability to clearly see a target over a distance, is a critical skill for top athletes in almost any sport.
While promoting eye health is important for everyone, the study’s researchers focused on diet’s effect on improving the vision of athletes. The paper, recently published in the American College of Sport Medicine’s Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, delves into the role of macular pigments (plant compounds that accumulate in the retina) in promoting eye health and functional vision.
Incorporating colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet could help enhance your visual range, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Georgia (UGA).
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