Screens are changing our kids’ eyes health and cognition: What can parents do to help?

A recent Motherly social survey revealed that 82% of moms are worried about how digital devices might be affecting their child’s cognitive health—but few realize that nutrition can help. That’s why we connected with Dr. Tanya Altmann, pediatrician and advisor to OmniActive’s Lutein For Every Age campaign, to unpack how nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin can support kids’ vision performance and cognition in a screen-filled world.

Motherly: Dr. Tanya, we usually hear about lutein and zeaxanthin in relation to eye health, but you’ve been vocal about their impact on the brain. Why do you believe cognitive health should be another primary focus?

Dr. Tanya: You’re right—most people first hear about lutein and zeaxanthin when talking about eye health, especially for adults. But as a pediatrician, I’m equally focused on how these antioxidants support developing eyes and brains. That’s why I’ve partnered with OmniActive Health Technologies for their Lutein For Every Age campaign.

Research has shown that lutein and zeaxanthin aren’t just concentrated in the retina—they’re also found in key areas of the brain involved in memory and attention. These nutrients do double duty, and families should know that.

A major new study just published in JAMA reveals alarming declines in the overall health of American children. Proper nutrition, including supplementation of certain nutrients that support brain health, can really make a difference in our kids’ lives. Lutein and zeaxanthin should be a part of that conversation.

Screens are everywhere—how do lutein and zeaxanthin help protect both eyes and brains from blue light?

This is exactly why I am working with OmniActive on its “Lutein For Every Age” campaign. The company published a study where children 5–12 years of age were supplemented with 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin had significant improvements in aspects of vision performance and cognition versus those that didn’t supplement.

I talk to every patient I see about eating a rainbow of healthy foods, especially those that contain lutein such as bell peppers, broccoli, leafy greens, corn, squash and eggs.

For those 5 years and older it’s best to get at least 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin. Lutein and zeaxanthin act like natural blue light filters!

What does current research tell us about how lutein and zeaxanthin support brain performance?

Lutein and zeaxanthin accumulate in key areas of the brain, especially regions involved in cognition, memory, and attention. We’re now seeing human studies, including research supported by OmniActive, that link them to improvements in processing speed, attention span, and memory performance.

They also help maintain the integrity of neural membranes, which is critical for fast and efficient communication between brain cells. Parents need to know that nutrition can directly support cognitive performance, and lutein and zeaxanthin are key parts of that toolkit.

How can we shift the focus to building a strong foundation for brain health beginning in infancy?

I believe that longevity, wellness, brain health and disease prevention all start in infancy. I love to start babies off on the right foot by focusing on gut microbiome, early nutrition and supplements to support the whole body. I also encourage avoiding screen time, getting enough sleep, and making sure kids play outdoors every day.

What are some key things parents should be aware of since your last book?

We now acknowledge that even kids with the best diets often need to add supplements in order to get all of the nutrients that are truly needed for proper development and optimal wellbeing, particularly vitamin D, DHA (omega-3), lutein and zeaxanthin.

Where do lutein and zeaxanthin fit into a family’s everyday routine?

Lutein and zeaxanthin are important at all life stages. You don’t have to overhaul your entire routine—just encourage kids to eat one more color of the rainbow each day.

And if picky eating or busy schedules get in the way, that’s where supplementation can help fill the gaps.

You often say moms are the health CEOs of the family. What are your top tips for brain and eye health?

Get enough sleep, eat a whole diet full of fresh fruit, veggies, lean protein and high fiber foods. Take supplements as directed by your doctor to fill in the nutrient gaps.

What are some easy ways to add more lutein and zeaxanthin to kids’ meals?

Some of my favorite foods that provide lutein for kids are corn on the cob, scrambled eggs, bell peppers in all colors, spinach in smoothies, mashed sweet potatoes, oranges and green beans.

And parents need to remember that they are nutritional role models to kids—show them the fruits and vegetables you enjoy and eat them in front of your kids.

What should parents look for in a lutein supplement?

First, always check with your pediatrician. I like to review labels with families to make sure there’s no unnecessary overlap.

When you’re reading labels, check the ingredients and amounts. For kids 5 to 12, aim for about 10 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin daily.

Many products list Lutemax 2020 or Lutemax Kids on the label—that’s a clinically studied, trusted source. I like to recommend products that use Lutemax because I know they’re backed by science and quality.

What’s one myth or misconception about eye or brain health you wish more moms understood?

I think a misconception is that it’s all genetic and there’s nothing you can do. That’s absolutely false! A nutrient dense diet can absolutely help support eye health and vision performance, as well as aid in memory and attention!

How can families talk to their pediatrician about eye and cognitive health?

During each well child visit, your pediatrician should check your child’s eyes. For cognitive health, keep track of your child’s milestones or any developmental delays and make note of their behavior, social skills and emotional wellbeing.