The Ophthalmologist's Time Machine 39
Did carrots save Britain by giving pilots superhuman night vision?
By
Stephen G. Schwartz
Christopher T. Leffler
Andrzej Grzybowski
June 5, 2026
Objective: To explore the historical claim that eating carrots improved British pilots' night vision during World War II.
Key Findings: Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A but has low bioavailability. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to xerophthalmia, but supplemental vitamin A does not improve vision in normal individuals. Interpretation:
Limitations: The article does not provide empirical evidence for the effectiveness of carrots in enhancing night vision. The claim of government deception remains speculative and unverified. Conclusion: The idea that carrots significantly improved night vision in pilots is not substantiated by evidence.
