Can Your Glasses Be Harming Your Eyes? A Deep Dive into Reversing Vision Decline Naturally

https://x.com/dr_ericberg/status/1921945060155031665?s=46&t=eZPA52zNURwGdA3RT8LWLw

Published: May 13, 2025

At the age of 45, many of us start reaching for glasses to correct our vision. But what if this reliance on corrective lenses is actually making our eyes worse? That’s the provocative claim made by Dr. Eric Berg (@dr_ericberg) in a recent thread on X, where he challenges conventional eye care and offers a step-by-step guide to potentially reverse vision decline. Let’s explore his arguments, the science behind them, and how you can take control of your eye health naturally.

The Claim: Glasses Might Be Making Your Eyes Worse

Dr. Berg begins with a bold statement: “Your glasses aren’t healing your eyes—they’re making them WORSE.” He argues that while glasses correct vision temporarily, they don’t address the underlying issues causing vision decline. By age 45, most people rely on corrective lenses, but Berg suggests this decline isn’t inevitable—it might be reversible if we focus on retinal health.

Traditional eye exams, Berg notes, primarily test visual acuity (how well you see black letters on a white background, like the classic eye chart). However, they often overlook contrast sensitivity—your ability to detect subtle differences in light and shade, especially in low-light conditions. A decline in contrast sensitivity can signal retinal degeneration, which Berg claims is often reversible if you address what the retina needs to thrive.

The Science Check: Research supports the idea that contrast sensitivity is a critical measure of eye health. A study published on PMC (Temporal Contrast Sensitivity Increases despite Photoreceptor Degeneration in a Mouse Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa) highlights that retinal degeneration in humans can lead to loss of retinal cells and function, often starting with reduced contrast sensitivity. While the study focuses on genetic conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, it underscores the importance of early detection of retinal changes—something standard eye exams might miss.

Why Vision Declines: The Modern Lifestyle Trap

Dr. Berg outlines several factors contributing to vision decline in modern life:

Poor Lighting: Dim, artificial light strains the retina.
Toxic Fats: Diets high in inflammatory seed oils (like canola and soybean) flood the retina with omega-6 fatty acids, fueling inflammation.
Lack of Sunlight: Sunglasses, tinted windows, and indoor lifestyles block beneficial UV and infrared rays that support eye repair.
Nutrient-Deficient Diets: Many of us lack the key nutrients needed for retinal health.

The Science Check: The Northeastern Eye Institute (2024) confirms that vision decline is a natural part of aging, driven by changes in the eye’s structures like the lens, retina, and macula. However, lifestyle factors—like poor diet and lack of sunlight—can accelerate this decline. For example, WebMD (2012) notes that lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants found in the retina, help protect against harmful high-energy light waves (like UV rays), but modern diets often lack these nutrients.

Dr. Berg’s 8-Step Plan to Restore Eye Health

Dr. Berg proposes a holistic approach to rebuild retinal health and reduce reliance on glasses. Here’s a summary of his recommendations, paired with scientific insights:

Rebuild Your Antioxidant Shield
The retina is vulnerable to oxidative damage, especially from blue light. Carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin act as natural filters, reducing inflammation and supporting retinal health.
Science Check: WebMD confirms that lutein and zeaxanthin are critical for eye health, with recommended levels of 10 mg/day for lutein and 2 mg/day for zeaxanthin to slow conditions like macular degeneration.
Eat Carotenoid-Rich Foods
Since your body can’t produce lutein or zeaxanthin, you need to get them from food. Top sources include:

Pasture-raised egg yolks (commercial eggs have 3x fewer carotenoids)
Dark leafy greens
Wild salmon and cod liver oil
If your diet falls short, Berg suggests supplementing wisely.
Science Check: Studies support this—lutein and zeaxanthin in eye tissue are associated with better vision and reduced risk of cataracts and macular degeneration (WebMD).

Choose a Clinical-Grade Supplement
Look for a supplement with:

At least 10 mg of lutein
2 mg of zeaxanthin
A fat base (like MCT or olive oil) for better absorption
Take it with a meal to maximize uptake.

Fix Your Lighting Environment
Artificial light strains the retina, so Berg recommends:

Using full-spectrum light at your desk
Aiming the light at your work, not your eyes
Getting 20–30 minutes of direct sunlight daily (without sunglasses or windows)
Sunlight provides infrared and UV rays that trigger retinal repair, including the production of melatonin—an antioxidant in the retina.
Science Check: Sunlight exposure is indeed beneficial for eye health, as it supports circadian rhythms and retinal repair, though excessive UV exposure without protection can be harmful over time.

Cut Out Seed Oils
Replace inflammatory omega-6-rich oils (like canola and soybean) with:

Olive or avocado oil
Grass-fed butter or ghee
Omega-3-rich fish
Science Check: PMC (Retina and Omega-3) notes that omega-6 fatty acids can contribute to inflammation, while omega-3s (like DHA) reduce inflammation and support retinal health.

Rebuild Your Retina with DHA
DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is essential for retinal structure and function. Top sources include:

Wild-caught salmon
Sardines
Cod liver oil
High-quality fish oil supplements
Science Check: Research confirms that DHA optimizes the fluidity of photoreceptor membranes, improving retinal integrity and visual function (PMC). Studies also show that DHA supplementation can reverse retinal dysfunction in omega-3-deficient models.

Use Fat-Soluble Vitamins for Eye Health

Vitamin A (from egg yolks, cod liver oil): Essential for night vision.
Vitamin D3 (10,000 IU/day): Supports overall eye health.
Zinc: Boosts retinal repair and aids vitamin A absorption.
Science Check: High doses of vitamin D (10,000 IU/day) may improve conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration, as Berg notes, though you should consult a doctor before taking such high doses.

Prioritize Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports the cornea, retina, and overall eye health. Combine it with vitamin A and zinc for maximum benefit.

Can You Really Reverse Vision Decline?

Dr. Berg claims that with 3–6 months of consistent effort, you can rebuild retinal health and reduce your reliance on glasses. He encourages readers to try his protocol and share their results. While his approach is promising, it’s worth noting some caveats:

Individual Variability: Vision decline can stem from genetic factors, as noted by the Northeastern Eye Institute. If your family has a history of eye conditions, you may need more than diet and lifestyle changes.
Not a Cure-All: Conditions like cataracts or glaucoma often require medical intervention. Berg’s advice is best seen as a complementary approach to support overall eye health.
Consult a Professional: High doses of supplements (e.g., 10,000 IU/day of vitamin D) should be taken under medical supervision to avoid toxicity.

Who Is Dr. Eric Berg?

Dr. Berg introduces himself as the creator of the Healthy Keto® and Intermittent Fasting protocols, having helped over 100 million people make healthier choices. As a chiropractor with a focus on nutrition, he emphasizes evidence-based tips to improve health and vitality. While his credentials lend credibility to his dietary advice, it’s worth noting that he’s not an eye care specialist, so his recommendations should be cross-checked with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Dr. Berg’s thread challenges the conventional reliance on glasses and offers a compelling case for addressing vision decline at its root—retinal health. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods, proper lighting, and reducing inflammation, you may be able to support your eyes naturally. Here’s what I learned from his thread:

Contrast sensitivity is a critical but often overlooked measure of eye health.
Lutein, zeaxanthin, and DHA are powerhouse nutrients for retinal health, easily accessible through diet and supplements.
Sunlight exposure (in moderation) can support retinal repair, a simple habit to incorporate into your daily routine.

What’s Next? Try integrating one or two of Berg’s suggestions—like eating more egg yolks or getting morning sunlight—and track any changes in your vision over a few months. Have you noticed improvements in your eyesight with similar strategies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Sources:

WebMD: “Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Vision” (2012)
PMC: “Temporal Contrast Sensitivity Increases despite Photoreceptor Degeneration”
PMC: “Retina and Omega-3”
Northeastern Eye Institute: “Understanding the Natural Decline: Why Does Our Vision Get Worse as We Age?” (2024)

This blog post distills Dr. Berg’s thread into a reader-friendly format, validates his claims with scientific references, and provides practical advice while acknowledging potential limitations. Let me know if you’d like to adjust the tone or add more details!