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Every day we’re bombarded with dangers that can damage our eyes and cause all sorts of vision issues such as problems with focusing, nighttime glare, eyestrain, dryness, age-related vision concerns and much more.

In This Healthy Insight:

1. Did you know?
2. What is Blue Light?
3. How is Blue Light Harmful?
4. Dailey Hidden Vision Risks
5. Common Vision Problems
6. Natural Ways to Protect Your Vision

Did You Know?

Traditionally, the main focus of eye health addressed age-related vision concerns, but with so much high-energy blue light exposure from digital devices and LED/fluorescent lighting, younger age groups are increasingly at risk.

According to a recent Eye-Q® Survey conducted by The American Optometric Association:

● 59% of individuals surveyed responded that desktop computers and laptops were the devices that bothered them the most. Cellphones were second, followed by tablets.
● 61% surveyed admitted to using multiple digital devices at the same time.
● 56% indicated that their primary use for devices was for entertainment such as reading, watching movies or playing video games.
● 76% of people know that blue light emitted from devices affects vision.

What is Blue Light?

Where is Our Biggest Exposure to Blue Light?

The real vision danger comes from the use of electronic devices. We tend to sit closer to them, use them for extended periods of time and blink less frequently. They include digital screens and electronic devices such as: smartphones, TVs, computers, tablets and gaming systems.

How is Blue Light Harmful?

Blue light waves are the among the shortest, highest energy wavelengths you see. Due to length, they flicker more easily than longer, weaker wavelengths. Flickering creates a glare that decreases visual contrast that affects sharpness and clarity of detail.

Unfortunately, our eyes can’t filter blue rays or artificial light and exposure can cause eyestrain, mental/physical fatigue, headaches, sleeplessness and more. Long-term, prolonged exposure may lead to very serious vision issues.

Daily Hidden Vision Risks

Common Vision Problems

Poor Night Vision

Difficulty seeing at night is a common for those over 40 and often one of the first signs to indicate your eyes are changing.

Focusing

Our built-in focusing system automatically adjusts the eyes’ lenses in order to see clearly at all distances. Unfortunately, this ability diminishes with age. Anyone over 40 is familiar with this as reading fine print becomes more difficult.

Dry Eye

Tears provide moisture and lubrication to help you see and keep your eyes comfortable. Dry eyes may feel gritty, itchy, red, or be sensitive to light. Ironically, even if your eyes are watering, you could still have dry eye as these kinds of “tears” are mainly water and lack the lubricating, protective mixture of real tears.

Eyestrain

Eyestrain is extremely common and occurs when your eyes get tired from extended use or when working in inadequate or excessive light. It can be aggravating and uncomfortable but, usually goes away when you rest your eyes.

Natural Ways to Protect Your Vision

Lutein, a carotenoid found in many yellow and orange pigmented fruits and vegetables, acts as an antioxidant, helping protect and maintain healthy cells. Studies have shown that ingested lutein helps enhance visual performance and sensitivity to light and glare. Since our bodies do not make lutein, the only way to obtain it is through the foods we eat, nutritional supplements or fortified foods.

Zeaxanthin protects the blood vessels and capillaries that supply your macular region as they deliver oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to your whole eye: macular, retina, lenses and more.

Vitamin A is vital for your eyes because it helps maintain the integrity of the membranes around your eyes and keeps your corneas moistened and lubricated. It also acts as a protective barrier against environmental issues. Vitamin A is important for growth, immune system and good vision.

Bilberry is known to provide antioxidant support to protect against free radicals, enhance blood supply to your eyes and maintain the integrity of the capillaries that nourish your eyes.

Taurine, an amino acid, revitalizes tired eyes, naturally by nourishing the rods and cones of your retinas, which are essential for strong vision. It also stops oxidative stress and helps your retinas to function properly.