Can Cicada Nymphs Protect Vision?
Cicada (nymph), commonly known as zhi liao hou, generally has little effect on vision protection. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If vision is normal and daily eye usage habits are good, consuming cicadas (nymphs) to protect eyesight is unnecessary. The nutrients beneficial for eyes, such as lutein and vitamin A contained in cicadas, are present in very low amounts, making them ineffective for nourishing the eyes.
If there are problems such as blurred vision or dry eyes, these are often related to excessive eye use and nutritional imbalances. Specific nutrients like vitamin A and anthocyanins need to be supplemented, but cicadas (nymphs) lack these components, making them unable to meet the eyes' nutritional needs. Therefore, cicadas cannot be relied upon to protect eyesight in these cases.
When consuming cicadas (nymphs), ensure they are thoroughly cooked to avoid parasitic infections. If vision problems persist, attention should be paid to proper eye usage, and more foods rich in eye-protective nutrients should be consumed; professional assistance should be sought when necessary.