Eye See

Supporting visual acuity and protecting ocular health is becoming increasingly important.

Market research is projecting that worldwide sale of eye health supplements will explode to over 2.85 billion dollars by 2024! The younger generations have increased exposure to computer screens, tablets, phones, etc. daily.  American adults now spend more than 11 hours per day watching, reading, listening to or simply interacting with media.

Consumers are looking for solutions to eye fatigue and retinal damage caused by the emission of blue light - high energy light that is damaging to retinal cells. Commonly used media (phones, TV, and computers) emit blue light that can cause strain and oxidative stress on the eyes.  Blue light has a very short wavelength that produces higher amounts of energy and researchers speculate that long term damage to your eyes may occur.

The aging populations of baby boomers are at risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in the industrialized world.  The leading causes in America are due to AMD and cataracts.

There are a lot of vitamins, such as Vitamin C, (protects the eyes from oxidation) Vitamin E (decreases the risk of AMD) Zinc (supports the retina) and Copper (acts as an antioxidant and inhibits progressive advancement of AMD) Hyaluronic Acid is a wonderful lubricant to protect the iris, retina, and corneal cell layers.

In addition to some of these natural vitamins, there are many choices of supplements that can be found over the counter, such as Blueberry Fruit Extract, Lutemax 2020, offered by Omni Active, using a marigold extract to support macular eye health.  There is EuroPharma offering a curcumin supplement for dry eye relief.  A lot of great eye supplements are available now.

As the technology for making our lives more comfortable, more informed, and efficient continues to grow at a rapid pace, we must understand that there is an associated cost; one of them being our eye health.  

The good news is that we now know the damage of blue light, and with care, and a myriad of good choices in supplements and vitamins, we can protect our eyes properly.  Please see your Ophthalmologist for annual eye exams, it is important!

To your health!

Jim