World Health Day 2025: Maternal nutrition is critical for the child's eyesight, here's why

Pregnancy diet: A simple diet rich in leafy greens, nuts, dairy, and fish, when combined with breastfeeding and mindful postnatal nutrition are critical for the child's eye sight (Image: Canva)

A baby’s journey toward healthy eyesight starts just weeks after conception. A baby’s eyes start to form and develop in their mother’s womb. What a mother eats, how she cares for herself, and the choices she makes during pregnancy all quietly shape how clearly her child will see the world.

"It’s often said that we see the world through our eyes, but rarely do we stop to consider how early that journey begins,” says Dr (Lt. Col.) Shantanu Mukherji, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals. “Eye development kicks off early in pregnancy, with key structures like the retina and optic nerve beginning to form within the first month. During this critical window, nutrition is foundational. The right nutrients at the right time can help reduce the risk of visual impairments and improve strong visual development well into childhood,” informs Dr Mukherji.

While genes play a role, mounting evidence suggests that maternal and early childhood nutrition can heavily influence a child’s eye health. “Eye development continues rapidly through infancy, and nutrients like Vitamin A, Omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc are absolutely vital," explains Dr Mukherji.

Also read | Mother's diet during pregnancy: Here's what to eat

Breastfeeding benefits: Breastfeeding plays a key role, especially in the first six months, providing essential antioxidants and fatty acids that continue to nurture a baby’s eyes from the inside out (Image: Canva)

Vitamin A, says the doctor, helps form the retina and prevents night blindness. DHA, an Omega-3 fat found in fish and some plant sources, supports both retinal and brain development. “These nutrients help a baby see clearly at birth and also guard against long-term problems like refractive errors, cataracts, or even age-related macular degeneration,” he says.

However, it’s not only about what’s eaten during pregnancy. “Breastfeeding also plays a key role, especially in the first six months, providing essential antioxidants and fatty acids that continue to nurture a baby’s eyes from the inside out,” says Dr Mukherji, adding that the first year of life is like a second phase of visual construction, where the retina sharpens and the visual cortex begins to connect what the eye sees to what the brain understands.

“If nutritional support is lacking during this time, development may be delayed or impaired. Lutein and zeaxanthin, two lesser-known carotenoids, act as natural blue light filters and are vital for protecting delicate eye tissue,” he says.

Also read | Pregnancy and nutrition: 5 superfoods for expecting mom and her baby

These nutrients are often overlooked. “Nevertheless, their role in protecting the macula and improving visual sharpness is critical. A simple diet rich in leafy greens, nuts, dairy, and fish can go a long way. When combined with breastfeeding and mindful postnatal nutrition, these choices lay down the groundwork not just for sight, but for how clearly a child experiences the world around them,” Dr Mukherji adds.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.