How to Reverse POOR Eyesight (Especially Over 50!)

Berg details the research showing that this specific wavelength can optimize mitochondrial efficiency and correct damage. He emphasizes that the effects are long-lasting, with one session per week being sufficient. He warns that many commercial red light devices are not properly regulated, so he recommends looking for the IEC 62471 exempt or RG1 low-risk label, or using a simple, inexpensive 670 nm bulb marketed for babies (costing $5–$8). He insists on keeping eyes closed because infrared can penetrate eyelids, making it safe and effective. He also notes that this therapy is part of a broader field called photobiomodulation, which he expects to grow.

Berg shares his personal experience: he spent 10 hours at his computer doing research and used this rule, taking breaks to go outside and focus on distant objects. He explains that when you stare at a screen, you not only blink less often but also don't blink completely, leading to dry eye and fatigue. The 20-20-20 rule, combined with intentional blinking every 5 seconds, counteracts both the muscle cramp and the dryness. He suggests doing this by looking out a window or, better yet, stepping outside.

Berg stresses that simply going for a walk while looking at a phone defeats the purpose. The key is to actively focus on objects in the environment, such as a leaf, a dog, or a cloud, and to vary the distance—first something 20 feet away, then something very far. He says this is 'very therapeutic' and necessary to undo the damage of prolonged screen fixation. He notes that inside a house, distances are limited, so going outside is essential.

Berg explains that floaters are damaged proteins floating in the eyeball. He recommends getting the body into a state of autophagy through fasting. He suggests starting with intermittent fasting and then gradually extending to 48-hour fasts, and eventually 72-hour fasts, with a couple of weeks in between. He says this recycling mode will clean up the damaged proteins and the floaters will 'go bye-bye.'

Berg presents NAC drops as a natural remedy that has worked in both animals and humans. He explains that cataracts are often caused by consuming too much sugar and starches, leading to glycation. The drops are applied externally but penetrate to the lens. He advises combining this with a low-carb diet, intermittent fasting, and other nutrients like benfotiamine and carnosine from red meat. He says it's 'super effective' but stops short of guaranteeing results, noting it depends on the stage.

Berg highlights Dr. Harold Shell's book, which he says is only available on Kindle, and describes how Shell found that high doses of vitamin D3 can reverse glaucoma, but blood levels must reach around 100 ng/mL. He acknowledges that this level is controversial but says the book explains how to do it safely. He also mentions that he has found research on niacin for glaucoma, suggesting a combination approach. He strongly recommends reading the book for the full protocol.

Berg calls this a 'sunlight hack' and explains that it's a version of red light therapy because the sun's rays at those times contain beneficial wavelengths. He says it resets circadian rhythm much better and generates intracellular melatonin, which helps sleep and is a powerful antioxidant. He emphasizes not looking directly at the sun but around it.

Eric Berg walks through the anatomy of the eye, highlighting the cones in the fovea of the macula as the most mitochondria-dense cells in the retina. He explains that cones are responsible for daylight, color, and fine detail. As we age, we lose these mitochondria, which directly reduces the ATP energy needed for vision. This manifests in stages: first, contrast sensitivity diminishes (trouble seeing at night), then we need more light to see during the day, then glare becomes problematic, and finally age-related macular degeneration sets in. He notes that at age 60, a person needs three times the light to see compared to a 20-year-old. This mitochondrial loss is the common thread linking many eye problems, and it's why interventions that boost mitochondrial function (like red light therapy) can be so effective.

Berg explains that red light at 670 nm can penetrate the eyelid and reach the retina, where it stimulates mitochondrial efficiency and repairs damage. He cites new research showing that just 3 minutes of exposure once a week in the morning can produce effects lasting a full week. He stresses safety: always keep eyes closed, and use devices that are IEC 62471 exempt or RG1 low-risk, or inexpensive 670 nm bulbs designed for babies (which he estimates cost $5–$8). He notes that many devices on the market are unregulated, so these precautions are essential. The therapy is called photobiomodulation, and he expects more research to emerge. He also mentions that infrared can penetrate eyelids easily, so closed eyes don't block the benefit.

Berg links cataracts to the consumption of sugar and starches, which cause glycation—sugar binding to proteins in the lens, making it cloudy. He introduces NAC (N-acetyl-carnosine) drops as a remedy that has worked in animals and humans. The drops are applied to the cornea, absorbed into the lens, and break up the glycated proteins. He cautions that results depend on the stage of the cataract and doesn't guarantee success, but says it's worth trying given the low cost. He also recommends supporting this with a low-carb diet, intermittent fasting, and other nutrients like benfotiamine and carnosine (found in red meat).

Berg mentions Dr. Harold Shell's book, which he says is only available on Kindle, and describes how Shell found that high doses of vitamin D3 can reverse glaucoma, but blood levels must reach around 100 ng/mL. He acknowledges that some people consider this level too high, but the book explains how to do it safely. Berg also notes that he has found research on niacin for glaucoma, adding another potential tool. He recommends reading the book for the full protocol and safety guidelines.

Berg explains that the autonomic nervous system controls smooth muscles that regulate glands, including tear ducts. A deficiency in vitamin B1 causes this system to malfunction, leading to reduced tear production and dry eyes. He points out that common causes of B1 deficiency include high carbohydrate intake, diabetes, and consumption of coffee or tea. Therefore, addressing dry eye may require B1 supplementation and correcting the underlying dietary factors.