Malnourished individuals are at a higher risk of developing visual impairment. Dietary restrictions can cause nutritional insufficiencies and negatively impact overall health. This review was performed to characterize the correlation between restrictions in dietary intake and various forms of visual impairment (VI) in adults.

The CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases were systematically searched through July 21, 2022. Studies that investigated observed visual changes due to dietary restrictions and omission of dietary components were eligible for inclusion. Of the 2541 unique studies, 22 eligible studies underwent data extraction, and 11 were incorporated into the quantitative meta-analysis.

Meta-analysis identified that an adequate intake of fish (OR=0.62; CI: [0.49–0.79]), and micronutrients (OR=0.49; CI: [0.25–0.96]) are positively correlated with a decreased odds of VI as indicated by the presence of age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, distance acuity, retinal acuity, age-related maculopathy, cataract development, and dual sensory impairment among adults.

Overall, dietary restrictions and picky eating may be associated with unfavorable visual outcomes. These outcomes may reduce quality of life, independence, mobility, and driving ability among adults. Findings suggest the need for initiatives to encourage a healthy and balanced diet. Further education and instruction among healthcare providers might be initiated to allow for recognition of dietary insufficiencies and their associated adverse outcomes in order to reduce the possibility of developing severe and potentially irreversible consequences.