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The Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better — Whalespan

Content›Video›The Science of Vision, Eye H…

The Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better

Andrew Huberman1h 50m · 2021-06-14

Support Rate

89%

180 of 203 claims supported

Support rate

180 of 203 claims supported

180 supported23 partial / not

Claims from this content

154

✓Well SupportedRegular blood work is essential for monitoring factors impacting immediate and long-term health.✓Well SupportedInside Tracker's platform helps users understand blood test data and provides protocols to adjust numbers into ideal ranges.✓Well SupportedHelix Sleep mattresses and pillows are tailored to individual sleep needs assessed through a quiz.✓Well SupportedThorne supplements are considered highly stringent regarding ingredient precision and quality.✓Well SupportedInside Tracker analyzes blood and DNA data to provide personalized nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle recommendations for optimizing health markers.

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A. Volkovreader

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Bookmarking — the dossier-vs-overview split is the right call. Most of the time I want overview; sometimes I want receipts.

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✓Well Supported

The Helix Dusk Mattress is reported to improve sleep depth, duration, and quality.

✓Well SupportedUsing InsideTracker for over 10 years has provided valuable data showing a decrease in 'Inner Age'.

✓Well SupportedOutdoor activities like hiking, playing sports, or taking walks count towards the recommended two hours of daily outdoor time for eye health benefits.

✓Well SupportedViewing red light at approximately 18 inches in the morning can counteract age-related declines in mitochondrial function and vision in individuals over 40.

✓Well SupportedSunlight exposure to the skin can increase testosterone and estrogen, correlating with improved mood, well-being, and libido.

✓Well SupportedLack of smooth pursuit stimulation from daily life leads to a decline in smooth pursuit mechanisms and vision.

✓Well SupportedThe young brain is highly susceptible to differences in visual input between the two eyes up to age 12.

✕Not SupportedIndirect light on the eyes is beneficial, but one should never look directly at any light, artificial or natural, that is so bright it is painful to look at.

✓Well SupportedConcurrent training can be programmed by emphasizing one modality for a 10-12 week cycle.

✓Well SupportedTwo hours of daily outdoor time without sunglasses significantly reduces the probability of developing myopia.

✓Well SupportedMelanopsin retinal ganglion cells communicate environmental light conditions to the brain.

✓Well SupportedSupplementing with lutein, zeaxanthin, or astaxanthin may slow age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases.

✓Well SupportedBody posture, specifically eye gaze direction, influences alertness levels, with looking down leading to sleepiness and looking forward or up promoting alertness.

✓Well SupportedArtificial lights, especially blue lights, can be beneficial for triggering melanopsin cells and the circadian clock when sunlight is unavailable.

✓Well SupportedThe ability to track moving objects smoothly (smooth pursuit) can be trained to improve vision.

✓Well SupportedLooking up with eyelids open can create a wakefulness signal for the brain.

✓Well SupportedBlue light is beneficial for circadian rhythm regulation during the day and should not be blocked.

◐Partially SupportedVision training involves 2-3 minutes of smooth pursuit and a few minutes of accommodation practice every other day.

◐Partially SupportedHallucinations can occur when portions of the visual system become underactive or undersimulated.

◐Partially SupportedArranging a workstation with the screen at eye level can improve focus and reduce sleepiness.

◐Partially SupportedChildren sleeping in rooms with nightlights or dim lights are more likely to develop myopia (nearsightedness).

◐Partially SupportedThe process of circadian photoentrainment, where light synchronizes the internal clock to the solar day, is subconscious and not consciously perceived.

◐Partially SupportedEarly visual imbalances, such as even a few hours of eye occlusion in infancy, can lead to permanent changes in visual perception and pathway function if not addressed.

◐Partially SupportedIpRGCs communicate day and night information to the brain.

◐Partially SupportedIndividuals born blind often exhibit enhanced auditory and tactile discrimination due to visual cortex repurposing.

◐Partially SupportedThe benefit of outdoor time for reducing myopia risk is directly related to sunlight exposure, not just viewing distant objects.

◐Partially SupportedSupplementing with lutein could potentially be beneficial for individuals with age-related macular degeneration or a family history of it.

◐Partially SupportedSpending at least 10 minutes daily viewing objects over half a mile away is valuable for eyesight, keeping the lens elastic and eye muscles strong.

◐Partially SupportedRed light appears to improve mitochondrial function in metabolically active photoreceptor cells.

◐Partially SupportedConsulting an ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmologist is recommended for severe vision problems.

✓Well SupportedViewing the horizon is beneficial for human health.

◐Partially SupportedSpending two hours or more outdoors daily can prevent or reverse myopia in children and adults.

◐Partially SupportedThe consensual pupil reflex links the pupil mechanisms of both eyes, causing them to react together to light.

◐Partially SupportedGetting sunlight in one's eyes first thing in the morning is vital for metabolic well-being, hormone system function, and mental health.

◐Partially SupportedMelanopsin ganglion cells regulate sleepiness, wakefulness, metabolism, blood sugar levels, dopamine levels, and pain threshold.

◐Partially SupportedPhotoreceptor cells are most active in the dark, and their activity turning off when light is present causes the perception of seeing.

◐Partially SupportedTraining the visual system and eyesight, especially when young, can bolster vision to prevent age-related vision loss.

◐Partially SupportedProper visual habits must be corrected before expecting good, healthy eyesight throughout one's lifespan.

◐Partially SupportedThe brain creates a sense of depth by interpreting that closer objects appear larger and move faster than distant objects.

◐Partially SupportedThe oil layer of tears prevents the saltwater component from evaporating and retains eye moisture.

◐Partially SupportedThe primary evolutionary purpose of eyes was to communicate time-of-day information to the brain and body.

◐Partially SupportedStrabismus in young children should be corrected for balanced vision and brain response.

◐Partially SupportedPracticing with a Snellen chart at home can help improve vision and track changes over time.

✓Well SupportedCones are primarily responsible for daytime vision, while rods are primarily responsible for vision in low light or nighttime conditions.

◐Partially SupportedArtificial light stimulation of the eyes in the middle of the night negatively impacts the visual system.

◐Partially SupportedPerception of objects is not direct seeing, but rather the brain's best guess based on electrical signals arriving from the visual system.

◐Partially SupportedConcurrent training, performing endurance and resistance training too close together, can blunt hypertrophic adaptations if high volume is stacked closely.

◐Partially SupportedThe podcast episodes are typically around 90 minutes, aligning with ultradian learning cycles.

◐Partially SupportedCovering the non-impaired eye forces the weaker eye to work harder, reversing vision issues like amblyopia.

◐Partially SupportedConsuming naturally occurring foods rich in vitamin A, such as dark leafy vegetables and carrots, in their raw form, can support vision.

◐Partially SupportedMelanopsin cells activated by sunlight promote the eye's focusing system health and help offset myopia.

◐Partially SupportedConsistent exposure to bright light between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM suppresses dopamine due to activation of melanopsin cells and the habenula.

◐Partially SupportedLight wavelengths that activate melanopsin cells can penetrate eyelids and contribute to myopia.

✓Well SupportedAstaxanthin has been shown in double-blind placebo-controlled studies to improve skin quality and potentially enhance collagen synthesis.

◐Partially SupportedDeliberate blinking exercises can support cornea lubrication before focused work.

◐Partially SupportedA healthy cardiovascular system, achieved through endurance and strength training, is essential for supporting eye and brain health and vision over time.

◐Partially SupportedCovering one eye can reduce visual acuity and increase seeing effort.

◐Partially SupportedCorrecting eye deviations early in life can lead to balanced binocular vision and high-fidelity vision quality.

◐Partially SupportedSpecific behaviors related to light viewing at particular times and in particular ways can reinforce the emotional system through the visual system.

✕Not SupportedFailure to view sunlight for 2-10 minutes in the early part of the day and again in the evening severely disrupts sleep rhythms, mood, hormones, metabolism, pain threshold, and the ability to learn and remember.

◐Partially SupportedEven individuals with low or no vision likely retain melanopsin retinal ganglion cells if they have retinas.

◐Partially SupportedStudies on vision support compounds like lutein and astaxanthin have been published in quality, peer-reviewed journals such as JAMA and Journal of Ophthalmology.

◐Partially SupportedAstaxanthin has been shown in several studies to notably improve male fertility, at least doubling pregnancy rates in men who were previously infertile.

◐Partially SupportedLutein, found in vision supplements, may increase macular pigment optical density.

◐Partially SupportedSupplements like lutein and astaxanthin are available for individuals concerned about Leber's optic neuropathy.

◐Partially SupportedIndividuals should consult their ophthalmologist and physician before taking supplements for vision support.

◐Partially SupportedAstaxanthin appears to increase ocular blood flow.

◐Partially SupportedAstaxanthin has been shown in three studies to notably increase the antioxidant enzyme profile.

◐Partially SupportedPhotoreceptor cells in the retina convert light energy into electrical signals through chemical reactions involving vitamin A.

◐Partially SupportedSmooth pursuit training can improve vision.

◐Partially SupportedIndividuals with red-green colorblindness lack red cone photo pigment and cannot see green-red contrast.

✕Not SupportedCovering one eye in a young child can create imbalances in brain's comparison of visual information and potentially shut down neural information for the occluded eye.

◐Partially SupportedMelanopsin retinal ganglion cells contain their own photoreceptor, similar to the melanopsin found in amphibians that changes skin color.

✕Not SupportedExposure to light between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM is detrimental to dopamine and mood-producing systems, negatively impacting learning, immunity, and blood sugar.

✕Not SupportedSpending excessive time looking at close objects without allowing vision to relax can lead to headaches and negatively reshape neural circuitry.

✕Not SupportedArtificial blue light does not replace the benefits of natural sunlight for the visual system and offsetting myopia.

◐Partially SupportedThe neurons within the retina are the most metabolically active cells in the body, requiring blood flow for energy and nutrients.

◐Partially SupportedThe biochemical cascade for converting light into electrical signals in the retina requires vitamin A and carotenoids.

◐Partially SupportedPerformance on a Snellen chart can vary depending on the time of day due to fatigue and the eye's ability to control accommodation.

◐Partially SupportedThe primary function of the eyes is to collect light information and transmit it to the brain in an understandable format.

◐Partially SupportedUsing magenta instead of red in slides and diagrams can improve contrast for individuals with red-green colorblindness.

◐Partially SupportedThe brain calculates distance by comparing the slightly different locations where light from an object lands on each eye.

◐Partially SupportedCovering the dominant eye for a portion of each day can help balance visual input between the two eyes.

◐Partially SupportedAstaxanthin is a red-pink pigment structurally similar to beta-carotene but potentially safer due to chemical differences.

◐Partially SupportedProtocols for the four kinds of endurance training are available as a zero-cost PDF download at hubermanlab.com.

◐Partially SupportedLutein is involved in the pathway for vitamin A and the formation of photopigments in the eye that capture light and convert it into electrical signals.

◐Partially SupportedGetting at least two hours of sunlight exposure early in the day is important for the visual system.

◐Partially SupportedThe eye dynamically adjusts light focus by changing the shape of the lens through accommodation.

◐Partially SupportedPreserving eyesight and vision is a critical factor for enhancing quality of life.

◐Partially SupportedThe iris and the musculature and ciliary body are responsible for moving the lens to accommodate for near or far vision.

◐Partially SupportedA sudden significant difference in pupil size between eyes requires immediate neurological consultation.

◐Partially SupportedRelaxation of the eye lens is beneficial for the inner eye musculature.

◐Partially SupportedWhen looking far away, the eye's lens relaxes and flattens.

◐Partially SupportedThe eyes and pupils can indicate underlying issues occurring deep within the brain.

◐Partially SupportedLutein is most densely sourced from raw egg yolks, but cooking egg yolks reduces its bioavailability.

◐Partially SupportedPost-concussion visual training protocols often involve exercises similar to accommodation training to repair balance, motor, visual, and cognitive functions.

◐Partially SupportedA protocol of 2-5 minutes of accommodation exercises every other day, followed by eye rest and soft gaze, can help preserve vision.

◐Partially SupportedThe point at which vision becomes blurry or cross-eyed during accommodation exercises varies based on an individual's interpupillary distance.

◐Partially SupportedIngesting super-physiological amounts of vitamin A will not necessarily improve vision beyond supporting a threshold level required for sight.

◐Partially SupportedWhen starting a new training modality, begin with the minimum number of sets indicated in a protocol and gradually increase by adding sets each week.

◐Partially SupportedTaking five to seven days completely off after a 10-12 week training cycle helps prevent injury and maintain progress.

◐Partially SupportedIncluding at least one complete rest day per week is beneficial for continued progress in strength, hypertrophy, and endurance training.

◐Partially SupportedBiological time is perceived based on the sun's position, not artificial clocks, and anchoring oneself in time is a central aspect of biology and psychology.

◐Partially SupportedReducing nightlight use for children is beneficial for their vision and emotional comfort.

◐Partially SupportedThe visual system's most ancient cells are designed to inform the body and brain about the time of day.

◐Partially SupportedSelf-generated optic flow from activities like walking, biking, or swimming is beneficial for the visual system, mood, and neuromodulator systems.

◐Partially SupportedLutein and astaxanthin are currently in an experimental or self-experimental phase despite some good double-blind placebo-controlled studies.

◐Partially SupportedAstaxanthin, being lipid-soluble, can be stored in the body for extended periods.

◐Partially SupportedRed light exposure to the eye may help maintain vision and can be combined with eye exercises.

◐Partially SupportedMelanopsin ganglion cells influence mood, pain threshold, sleepiness, and wakefulness.

◐Partially SupportedIf strength and hypertrophy are the primary focus in concurrent training, a 3:2 or 4:2 ratio of strength to endurance workouts per week is recommended.

◐Partially SupportedThe nervous system is more plastic in younger individuals (e.g., 12-15 year olds) than in older adults.

◐Partially SupportedHealthy pupils dilate when looking at distant objects and constrict when looking at close objects.

◐Partially SupportedStaying indoors with only artificial light and close-up focus leads to visual defects.

◐Partially SupportedSpending 11 hours per week outdoors was studied to assess myopia development.

◐Partially SupportedIndividuals lacking a red cone perceive the world similarly to dichromats.

◐Partially SupportedThe brain fills in the visual blind spot.

◐Partially SupportedThe visual system impacts mood and alertness.

◐Partially SupportedInformation on vision and eyesight health is relevant to individuals with perfect vision, those needing corrective lenses, and those with clinical vision disorders.

◐Partially SupportedEye exercises such as near-far, smooth pursuit, and checking for dominant/non-dominant eyes can be beneficial for fatigued eyes or differences in focus.

◐Partially SupportedThe brain's interpretation of its environment and time is influenced by the visual system.

◐Partially SupportedThe eye blink reflex is the fastest reflex in the human body.

✕Not SupportedRaw egg yolks carry a risk of salmonella contamination.

◐Partially SupportedConsuming lutein via lutein-enriched egg yolks in a buttermilk drink increased macular pigment optical density and visual acuity in a randomized controlled trial.

◐Partially SupportedPracticing eye accommodation exercises can help maintain vision.

◐Partially SupportedCovering both eyes early in life extends critical brain plasticity, which is being explored for later reopening.

◐Partially SupportedCrossing one's eyes when young can cause the brain to lose information and the ability to see binocular depth.

◐Partially SupportedBalanced visual input through both eyes is recommended for optimal binocular vision development in young people.

◐Partially SupportedSpending time outdoors and engaging in distanced vision can largely address myopia, migraines, fatigue, and worsening eyesight with age.

◐Partially SupportedWhile genetic and injury factors can compromise eyesight, proactive practices can still have a significant positive impact.

◐Partially SupportedMyopia (nearsightedness) is referred to as a global epidemic in scientific literature.

◐Partially SupportedThere is currently no cure for dry eye, and finding one could be highly profitable.

◐Partially SupportedUnderstanding accommodation can enhance eye health and improve the ability to focus on work.

◐Partially SupportedStudying extensively can lead to eye strain and vision problems.

◐Partially Supported10 minutes per day of near-far eye exercises for at least three years may improve binocular vision in a weaker eye.

◐Partially SupportedModern DNA tests provide insights into how genetic makeup influences lifestyle choices and health status.

◐Partially SupportedIdebenone has evidence of being beneficial for Leber's congenital eye disease and Leber's optic neuropathies.

✕Not SupportedYoung children 12 or younger should not have imbalances created between their eyes unless there is a clinical need.

◐Partially SupportedSignificant visual imbalances between the eyes should be addressed as early as possible by consulting an ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmologist.

◐Partially SupportedFor every 90 minutes of close-up vision or indoor screen time, one should spend 20-30 minutes outdoors engaging in non-close-up vision.

◐Partially SupportedVision should be measured by a professional, as over-the-counter lenses can be inaccurate and potentially weaken the visual system.

◐Partially SupportedSunlight exposure in the eyes early in the day and anytime one wants to be awake is beneficial.

◐Partially SupportedLooking out a window at a distance, ideally opening the window to filter blue light and get sunlight, is necessary to relax the eyes and maintain visual health.

◐Partially SupportedRelaxing the lens mechanism to flatten is crucial for visual system elasticity and preventing near-focus fixation.

◐Partially SupportedFor every 30 minutes of focused near work, look up and relax facial and eye muscles to allow for panoramic vision.

◐Partially SupportedLeveraging the visual system can improve mental and physical performance.

◐Partially SupportedWhen both eyes are open, they compensate for each other's blind spots.

◐Partially SupportedIntegrating visual training and outdoor activities into a young person's framework can be beneficial for long-term vision health.

✕Not SupportedLack of sufficient sunlight exposure during the day can lead to severe vision problems and sleep disturbances.