Infant eye health: Ensuring retina development, preventing myopia, importance of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is well-known for its many health benefits, and new research shows it also plays a crucial role in supporting visual health in babies. (Image: Canva)

Breastfeeding is well-known for its many health benefits, and new research shows it also plays a crucial role in supporting visual health in babies. One important aspect is the presence of essential nutrients in breast milk, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is vital for the development of a baby's eyes and brain.

Breast milk helps protect infants from certain eye conditions, like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which can affect premature babies. The nutrients in breast milk help the retina, the part of the eye that receives light and sends images to the brain, develop properly. In addition to DHA, breast milk contains other protective factors that support overall eye health. For example, it helps reduce the risk of infections and inflammation that can harm the eyes.

Dr Nita Shah, head of clinical services at Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital in Chembur, elaborates on eight ways breastfeeding benefits your child's vision.

DHA and visual development: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a crucial omega-3 fatty acid found in breast milk. It's a major structural component of the brain and retina. DHA supports the growth and development of nerve cells in the retina, which are essential for vision. Breastfed infants typically have higher levels of DHA in their blood compared to formula-fed infants, unless the formula is fortified with DHA.

Visual acuity: Some studies have shown that breastfed infants may have slightly better visual acuity (sharpness of vision) compared to formula-fed infants, particularly in the first year of life. This difference is thought to be related to the DHA content in breast milk. However, the long-term significance of this early difference is not yet fully understood.

Protection against infections: Breast milk contains antibodies, particularly secretory IgA, which can help protect against eye infections. This is especially important in the early months, when an infant's immune system is still developing. Common eye infections in infants, such as conjunctivitis, may be less frequent or less severe in breastfed babies.

Also see | Breastfeeding Awareness Week: Doctor's guide to pros and cons of pumping

Potential reduction in myopia risk: Some research suggests that breastfeeding might be associated with a lower risk of myopia (nearsightedness) later in childhood. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that children who were breastfed for 3-6 months had a 60% lower risk of myopia compared to children who were breastfed for less than 3 months. However, more research is needed to confirm this association and understand the underlying mechanisms.

Visual tracking and focus: The act of breastfeeding may support the development of eye muscles and focussing ability. When a baby breastfeeds, they often need to adjust their gaze between near (the mother's face) and far (the surrounding environment) distances, which may help exercise the eye muscles responsible for focussing.

Face recognition and bonding: During breastfeeding, infants often maintain eye contact with their mothers. This close face-to-face interaction may support the development of facial recognition skills and contribute to the emotional bonding between mother and child, which indirectly supports overall development, including visual processing.

Lutein and zeaxanthin: Breast milk contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that are important for eye health. These compounds accumulate in the retina and may help protect against oxidative damage and support overall eye health.

Preventing ROP: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of childhood blindness, affecting approximately 50,000 children globally. Premature infants, particularly those born before 31 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1250 grammes, are at higher risk. Risk factors include anaemia, blood transfusions, respiratory distress, and high-concentration oxygen therapy.

It's important to note that while these benefits are associated with breastfeeding, they don't mean that formula-fed babies will have poor vision. Many other factors, including genetics, overall nutrition, and environmental factors, play significant roles in a child's visual development.