Episode
The Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
1:49:02
Published: Mon Jun 14 2021
Description
This episode I describe how we see, meaning how our eyes focus, convert light information into electricity the rest of the brain can understand and how our brain creates the incredible thing we experience as “sight”. I also describe how we can train and support our visual system to improve at any age. I describe more than a dozen protocols to support depth perception, offset near-sightedness, improve mood, sleep, and our ability to focus (both visual focus and our mental focus generally). I also explain how to use eyesight to improve our levels of alertness and why visual hallucinations, lazy eyes and colorblindness occur. I also describe various compounds that may assist in supporting visual health and possibly improve our vision. Many simple, zero-cost protocols and a lot of scientific mechanisms are covered in this episode in clear language anyone can understand-- it is for anyone that values their brain and whether eyesight, young, adult-age or advanced age. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors: AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:31) Sponsors: AG1, LMNT, Thesis, Momentous (00:04:51) Protocol: Concurrent Training For Endurance, Strength, Hypertrophy (00:07:24) The Senses, Vision, Seeing & What We Should All Do To See Better (00:10:35) Our Eyes: What They Really Do, & How They Work (00:14:30) Converting Light Into Electricity Language: Photoreceptors, Retinal Ganglion Cells (00:17:00) We Don’t See Anything Directly: It Is All A Comparison Of Reflected Light (00:19:35) Dogs, Cats, Snakes, Squirrels, Shrimps, Diving Birds, & You(r View Of The World) (00:24:05) Everything You See Is A Best Guess, Blind Spots (00:25:50) Depth Perception (00:28:00) Subconscious Vision: Light, Mood, Metabolism, Dopamine; Frog’s Skin In Your Eyes (00:32:00) Blue-Yellow Light, Sunlight; & Protocol 1 For Better Biology & Psychology; (00:35:00) Protocol 2: Prevent & Offset Near-Sightedness (Myopia): Outdoors 2 Hours Per Day (00:42:00) Improving Focus: Visual & Mental; Accommodation, Your Pupils & Your Bendy Lens (00:48:50) Protocol 3: Distance Viewing For 20min For Every 90 Minutes of “Close Viewing” (00:52:20) Protocol 4: Self-Generated Optic Flow; Move Yourself Through Space Daily (00:54:26) Protocol 5: Be More Alert; Eyelids, Eye Size, Chin Position, Looking Up Versus Down (00:59:21) Protocol 6: Sleep In A Very Dark Room To Prevent Myopia (Nearsightedness) (01:02:55) Color Vision, Colorblindness, Use Magentas Not Reds, (01:04:32) Protocol 7: Keeping Your Vision Sharp With Distance Viewing Every Day (01:06:05) Protocol 8: Smooth Pursuit (01:08:48) Protocol 9: Near-Far Visual Training 2-3 Minutes 3-4 Times a Week (01:13:33) Protocol 10: Red Light, Emerging Protocol To Improve Photoreceptors & Vision (01:16:20) Dry Eyes; Blinking, Protocol 11 (01:18:40) Lazy Eye, Binocular Vision, Amblyopia; Triggering Rapid Brain Plasticity; Protocol 12 (01:24:48) Protocol 12: Determine Your Dominant Eye; Near-Far Training (01:27:57) Visual Hallucinations: The Consequence of An Under-Active Visual Brain (01:29:47) Protocol 13: Snellen Chart: A Simple, Cost-Free Way To Test & Maintain Vision (01:33:00) Vitamin A, Lutein, Idebenone, Zeaxanthine, Astaxanthin, Blood Flow (01:44:20) Summary of Protocols, Vital Point About Blood & Oxygen For Vision (01:46:00) Episode Length, Captions, Zero-Cost Support, Instagram, Searching Topics Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Chapters
The host discusses the growing body of evidence that highlights the importance of Vitamin D3 in maintaining optimal physical and mental health.
00:00 - 01:33 (01:33)
Summary
The host discusses the growing body of evidence that highlights the importance of Vitamin D3 in maintaining optimal physical and mental health.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
In this episode, the host answers questions about concurrent training and how to program endurance training with strength and hypertrophy training.
01:33 - 07:32 (05:59)
Summary
In this episode, the host answers questions about concurrent training and how to program endurance training with strength and hypertrophy training. They also emphasize the importance of single ingredient supplements supplied in dosages for cost optimization and scientific effectiveness.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
In this podcast episode, listeners will learn how their visual system can be utilized to increase levels of alertness by adopting specific behaviors for light viewing at particular times and ways.
07:32 - 16:26 (08:54)
Summary
In this podcast episode, listeners will learn how their visual system can be utilized to increase levels of alertness by adopting specific behaviors for light viewing at particular times and ways. The neural circuits linking the brainstem with the eyelids are discussed.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
The way animals perceive the world is different than humans because of the number of color-detecting cones in their eyes, resulting in different color spectrums.
16:26 - 23:31 (07:04)
Summary
The way animals perceive the world is different than humans because of the number of color-detecting cones in their eyes, resulting in different color spectrums.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
Melanopsin ganglion cells present in the retina are responsible for setting the circadian clock, responding to blue and yellow light, and communicating with the brain about the qualities of light present in the environment.
23:31 - 34:24 (10:53)
Summary
Melanopsin ganglion cells present in the retina are responsible for setting the circadian clock, responding to blue and yellow light, and communicating with the brain about the qualities of light present in the environment. Lack of exposure to sunlight during early morning and early evening can severely disrupt sleep rhythms, mood, hormones, metabolism, pain threshold, and the ability to learn and remember information.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
Spending two hours a day outside without sunglasses or blue light can dramatically decrease the likelihood of developing myopia, or nearsightedness, according to large clinical trials.
34:24 - 45:55 (11:30)
Summary
Spending two hours a day outside without sunglasses or blue light can dramatically decrease the likelihood of developing myopia, or nearsightedness, according to large clinical trials. Sunlight affects the structures in the eye that allow us to adjust our vision, and outdoor time can also help with interpreting facial expressions and eye movements.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
Taking breaks, relaxing your face and eye muscles, and going outside for non-up close vision can help prevent migraines, fatigue, and worsening eyesight, according to recent articles.
45:55 - 54:48 (08:53)
Summary
Taking breaks, relaxing your face and eye muscles, and going outside for non-up close vision can help prevent migraines, fatigue, and worsening eyesight, according to recent articles. These practices can also aid in the prevention of myopia in people of all ages.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
Looking up towards the ceiling can stimulate the wakefulness systems in the brain, including the release of norepinephrine, which can increase alertness.
54:50 - 1:01:23 (06:33)
Summary
Looking up towards the ceiling can stimulate the wakefulness systems in the brain, including the release of norepinephrine, which can increase alertness. Positioning computer screens at eye level or above can also create a wakefulness signal.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
The brain's ability to make sense of its environment and parse time follows the visual system, meaning that smooth pursuit, or the ability to visually track moving objects, is crucial in maintaining healthy vision.
1:01:23 - 1:11:17 (09:54)
Summary
The brain's ability to make sense of its environment and parse time follows the visual system, meaning that smooth pursuit, or the ability to visually track moving objects, is crucial in maintaining healthy vision. Lack of smooth pursuit stimulation, often caused by too much time spent looking at screens or reading up close, can lead to vision deterioration over time.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
Research conducted by Glenn Jeffrey at University College London suggests that flashing red light for two minutes early in the day on individuals aged 40 or older may help offset age-related macular degeneration by enhancing mitochondrial function in the photoreceptors.
1:11:17 - 1:18:38 (07:20)
Summary
Research conducted by Glenn Jeffrey at University College London suggests that flashing red light for two minutes early in the day on individuals aged 40 or older may help offset age-related macular degeneration by enhancing mitochondrial function in the photoreceptors. Additionally, a new eye drop product named "Neural" aims to improve eye focus and clarity by clearing any distortions on the corneal surface.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
Covering up one eye in early life, even for a few hours, can lead to permanent changes in the way the brain perceives the outside world, resulting in a lazy eye.
1:18:38 - 1:30:06 (11:27)
Summary
Covering up one eye in early life, even for a few hours, can lead to permanent changes in the way the brain perceives the outside world, resulting in a lazy eye. To alleviate this, it is necessary to cover up the healthy eye for a period of time to create an imbalance, forcing the lazy eye to work harder.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
Taking the time to care for your vision, from getting regular check-ups with skilled professionals to doing exercises to maintain good vision, is essential for enhancing the quality of life, and can especially benefit younger people who want to develop good habits early on.
1:30:06 - 1:35:50 (05:44)
Summary
Taking the time to care for your vision, from getting regular check-ups with skilled professionals to doing exercises to maintain good vision, is essential for enhancing the quality of life, and can especially benefit younger people who want to develop good habits early on.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
The speaker provides options to support and enhance vision, including having a healthy cardiovascular system, depending on one's vision level and occupational hazards.
1:35:51 - 1:46:10 (10:19)
Summary
The speaker provides options to support and enhance vision, including having a healthy cardiovascular system, depending on one's vision level and occupational hazards.
EpisodeThe Science of Vision, Eye Health & Seeing Better
PodcastHuberman Lab
The speaker thanks the listener for their time and attention and encourages them to search for different topics within the podcast.
1:46:10 - 1:48:55 (02:45)
Summary
The speaker thanks the listener for their time and attention and encourages them to search for different topics within the podcast. They also mention that the sponsors of the podcast are a vital way to keep the information being distributed at zero cost to everyone.