In response to the National Health Commission and Ministry of Education's "Notice on Conducting the 2021 National Eye Care Day Activities," and to promote public visual health, the "Interpretation Session for the Scientific Handbook on Nutrition and Visual System Health" was held in Beijing on June 6, 2021, coinciding with the 26th National Eye Care Day. The event was hosted by the Nutrition and Health Research Institute of the Chinese Nutrition Society.
Professor Ma Aiguo, Vice President of the Chinese Nutrition Society and Vice President of the Nutrition and Health Research Institute, chaired the interpretation session. Researcher Yang Xiaoguang, Vice President of the Chinese Nutrition Society and Vice President of the Nutrition and Health Research Institute, and Ms. Wu Yiyan, Director of the Healthy Living Business Group at JiaGe Group, delivered opening remarks on behalf of the organizing and supporting institutions, respectively.
It is reported that China has 75.5 million people with visual impairment. Primary causes include uncorrected refractive errors, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.Currently, most eye diseases are preventable and controllable. However, long-term accumulation of ocular damage can lead to irreversible visual impairment. Addressing risk factors related to the visual system and implementing early preventive measures against visual impairment and eye diseases are crucial for protecting visual health and enhancing quality of life.
In his address, Professor Yang Xiaoguang expressed hope that the launch of the Scientific Handbook on Nutrition and Visual System Health would guide the public to further prioritize visual health, adopt healthier lifestyles, optimize dietary nutrition, and practice scientifically informed eye care.
The handbook's release ceremony was held in the presence of nutrition experts, ophthalmologists, and media representatives.According to the introduction, the handbook was authored by a compilation committee established by the Nutrition and Health Research Institute of the Chinese Nutrition Society in collaboration with academic institutions including the School of Public Health at Xi'an Jiaotong University. It systematically analyzes key factors affecting visual health, the urgency and significance of lifestyle interventions for improving visual health, and the critical role and evidence supporting nutrition in visual health.
Professor Ma Le, Vice Dean of Xi'an Jiaotong University's School of Public Health, explained during the handbook's interpretation that dietary nutrition significantly impacts visual system health. A balanced diet should be maintained, emphasizing fresh dark green or red, yellow, and orange vegetables and fruits, eggs, nuts, and dairy products, while moderately consuming red meat, animal liver, and fish.Furthermore, scientific research confirms that over a dozen nutrients—including lutein and zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene/beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids—benefit visual system health.Take lutein/zeaxanthin as an example: these are key components of the macular pigment in the eye. They possess antioxidant properties, filter blue light, and enhance visual signal transmission. They can protect the visual function of individuals frequently exposed to screen light, reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, improve visual function, enhance visual outcomes for patients with pigmentary retinopathy, and lower the risk of retinopathy of prematurity in severely premature infants.Primary dietary sources include dark green vegetables and eggs.
Yang Xiaohui, Chief Physician of Ophthalmology at Tongren Hospital, outlined common visual health issues and preventive measures, offering eye care recommendations: Take timely breaks, adjust screen settings promptly, and maintain proper viewing distance;Ensure adequate lighting for work and study, maintain proper posture during close-up tasks, reduce prolonged near-vision activities, and alternate between contact lenses and eyeglasses; minimize excessive prolonged sun exposure, especially to intense light; manage weight effectively; engage in regular, effective, and appropriately intense exercise; quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Dr. Liu Changshu, R&D Director at JiaGe Group, shared technical advancements in lutein ester microencapsulation and bioavailability enhancement.
"Lutein is the primary carotenoid in the macula of the retina.It forms an effective blue light filter within the human retina, minimizing oxidative damage caused by blue light," stated Professor Ma Aiguo. "The Specific Recommended Level (SPL) for lutein in Chinese adults is 10mg/day. Current scientific research indicates that lutein intake among Chinese residents still falls short of this recommendation. Adequate lutein intake benefits visual system health."