Episode 68

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Published on:

11th Feb 2026

The Genetic Code of Elite Vision: Nutrition, DNA, and the Science of Seeing Sharper

What if everything you’ve been told about carrots and eyesight is only half the story?

In this episode, we unpack the fascinating science behind vision, nutrition, and genetics and why “eat your carrots” might be one of the most oversimplified pieces of health advice out there.

You’ll learn how your body actually converts nutrients into usable vitamin A, why some people naturally struggle more than others (thanks to their DNA), and which compounds truly protect the most important part of your eyesight.

Plus, we explore a surprising research finding that shows how isolated supplements can sometimes do more harm than good and why whole foods win every time.

If you care about sharper focus, better performance, brain health, or long-term eye protection, this conversation will completely change how you think about what’s on your plate.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

  1. The genetics of vitamin A — why your DNA determines how well you convert beta-carotene and what that means for your vision, immunity, and overall health
  2. The real eye-protecting nutrients — how lutein and zeaxanthin act like built-in sunglasses to shield your retina and enhance clarity
  3. Why supplements can backfire — the surprising risks of high-dose isolated nutrients and the science behind choosing whole foods instead
  4. Fueling your eyes = fueling your brain — how smart nutrition improves focus, reaction time, and total nervous system performance

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

  1. 00:24 - Understanding Vitamin A: Retinol vs. Beta-Carotene
  2. 01:03 - The Role of Genetics in Vitamin A Conversion
  3. 02:28 - Beyond Beta-Carotene: The Importance of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
  4. 04:10 - The Risks of High-Dose Supplements
  5. 05:18 - The Power of Whole Foods for Eye and Brain Health
  6. 06:29 - Key Takeaways for Optimal Vision and Health

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

  1. Sports Vision NYC
  2. Connect with Dr. Laby on Instagram
  3. Pick Up a Copy of Eye of the Champion
  4. Download The Ultimate Sports Vision Guide for Athletes [FREE]

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to Sports Vision Radio so you never miss an episode on the science of peak performance.

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About the Podcast

Sports Vision Radio
Welcome to the podcast where vision meets performance.

Hosted by Dr. Daniel Laby, one of the world’s leading Sports Vision Specialists with over 30 years of experience working with professional, Olympic, and elite athletes across the globe.

This show is designed for athletes, coaches, parents, and performance-minded professionals who want to understand how the visual system, what you see and how your brain processes it, directly impacts your ability to compete at the highest level.

Each episode dives into the science and strategy behind visual performance: from reaction time and focus control, to decision-making speed, visual processing, and beyond. Whether you’re on the field, in the gym, or in the dugout, you’ll learn practical insights and cutting-edge methods to train your eyes and brain to work together, so you can play sharper, smarter, and faster.

Because seeing clearly is just the beginning. This is about vision that wins!

About your host

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Daniel Laby

Dr. Daniel M. Laby is a pioneer in sports vision science and the author of "Eye of the Champion: Unlocking the Power of Sports Vision for Peak Performance." He has 30+ years experience with elite and Professional athletes and has worked with multiple MLB World Series teams, NBA organizations, Olympic athletes, and numerous professional sports organizations worldwide. He has 8 World Series Championships as well as several other championships. He has been featured in the Wall Sreet Journal (2x), The New York Times, Sports Illustrated as well as NBC news, Fox, and several other radio and television programs. Red Bull made a full length documentary about his work with International Football/Soccer star Trent Alexander-Arnold.