There isn’t credible scientific evidence that a specific “Japan’s oldest doctor” bedtime recipe can naturally restore eyesight or significantly improve vision while you sleep. Claims like “eat this before bed and your vision will improve overnight” are common in viral videos and advertisements, but they are not supported by high-quality medical research.
That said, some nutrients are important for maintaining healthy eyes over time. Here’s a nutritious evening recipe that includes several of them.
Eye-Healthy Bedtime Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 medium carrot
- ½ cup cooked pumpkin or sweet potato
- ½ cup spinach
- ½ cup blueberries
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened milk or fortified soy milk
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- A pinch of black pepper (helps your body absorb compounds in turmeric)
Instructions
- Wash and chop the carrot.
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Drink 1–2 hours before bedtime.
Why these ingredients may help
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for normal vision, especially in dim light.
- Spinach: Contains lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that accumulate in the retina and may help protect against age-related eye disease.
- Blueberries: Provide vitamin C and anthocyanins, which support overall eye health.
- Pumpkin or sweet potato: Another excellent source of beta-carotene.
- Flaxseed or chia: Supply omega-3 fatty acids, which support tear production and eye surface health.
Foods to eat regularly for healthy eyes
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
- Eggs
- Citrus fruits
- Bell peppers
- Nuts and seeds
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
Important to know
Eating healthy foods can support eye health over months and years, but they cannot:
- Reverse nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Cure cataracts or glaucoma.
- Restore vision lost from most eye diseases.
- Dramatically improve eyesight overnight while you sleep.
If you’ve noticed blurred vision, worsening eyesight, eye pain, flashes of light, or sudden vision loss, it’s important to have a comprehensive eye examination, as these symptoms may indicate conditions that require medical treatment.