With the increasing use of digital devices, our eyes need more attention than ever before. The overuse of digital devices has led to a condition called Computer Vision Syndrome.
When it comes to our health, we often forget about the importance of eye care in our daily lives. We take for granted that our eyes should work without the need for maintenance or care, aside from prescription eyewear. In fact, exposure to digital devices has increased by more than 80% worldwide in the past three years.
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Vision Syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as dry, itchy eyes, headaches, blurred vision, slow focus recovery, low contrast, or poor night vision, and red or irritated eyes. According to Dr. Jeffry Gerson, OD, these symptoms are often ignored, and people do not realize they are related to digital device usage.
One of the major culprits of Computer Vision Syndrome is high-energy blue light. Research shows that overexposure to high-energy blue light can physically damage the cells of the retina, leading to long-term problems, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which causes a loss of central vision.
How to Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome?
Fortunately, natural ingredients can protect against the painful symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome.
For instance, natural astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that helps power the microscopic muscles in our eyes, promoting healthy vision. Pure forms of astaxanthin are clinically proven to help alleviate eye strain, headaches, blurry vision, and slow focus recovery. Studies have shown an almost 22% increase in the ability to focus on patients who have taken this supplement, according to Dr. Paul Karpecki, OD, a leader and pioneer in the field of Dry Eye Disease.
Another natural ingredient that can help alleviate dry eyes is bilberry extract, which contains anthocyanins that promote healthy tear secretion, improve vision, and increase retinal sensitivity.
In addition, two carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, are clinically proven to protect our eyes from blue light by increasing MPOD levels and improving visual acuity. A groundbreaking eye study called AREDS-2 showed that these formulations could lower the risk of progression to advanced AMD by 25% when combined with a Mediterranean diet rich in eggs and dark leafy greens.
Supplements for Eye Health
While these ingredients are available in nature, it is often difficult to consume enough of them through food to activate a healing response in our eyes and eliminate symptoms. For example, astaxanthin is present in most red-colored aquatic organisms in minimal quantities, but individuals would need to consume 20 pounds of salmon per week to protect their eyes. Similarly, green algae called Haematococcus Pluvialis, which is a potent source of astaxanthin, is not a viable source of astaxanthin.
So, how can we protect our eyes from Computer Vision Syndrome? The answer lies in supplementation and diet. A Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and crustaceans, provides many of the natural ingredients needed to reduce the symptoms associated with Computer Vision Syndrome and protect against high-energy blue light. In addition, daily supplementation with high-quality nutritional vitamins provides highly concentrated levels of essential natural ingredients needed to protect our eyesight from Computer Vision Syndrome for a lifetime.
In conclusion, it is crucial to take care of our eyes in today’s digital world. Natural ingredients, such as astaxanthin, bilberry extract, lutein, and zeaxanthin, offer a holistic approach to eye health and can protect against the painful symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome. With a Mediterranean diet and daily supplementation, we can ensure our eyes remain healthy and vibrant for years to come.