The myth that carrots are supposed to improve eye sight was started by the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. They had invented a radar which enabled them to locate German aircrafts. To keep this tactic a secret they spread the rumor that they had improved their night vision by eating a lot of carrots [1,2].

One of the most important and well known nutrients associated with visual function is retinol (vitamin A). Vitamin A is also found in the preliminary stage of the provitamin beta-carotene (carotene) in carrots and is responsible for the yellow / orange color of the vegetables.In the liver carotene can be converted into vitamin A. The vitamin is involved in the process that is responsible for twilight vision - even a slight deficiency in vitamin A can mean that people can barely perceive contrasts and outlines in the dark - as well as protecting the eye from infections [1,3].

A study from Nepal that a vitamin A deficit and associated night blindness can be improved by increased intake of vitamin A. Participants without a deficit did not show any improvements in eye sight. [4]

Do carrots strengthen eye sight? In some sort of way, yes because vitamin A which can be derived from the carotene in carrots helps maintain healthy eyes and a deficit leads to impaired eye sight. However, eating carrots does not mean you get "supervision".