New Study: Blue Light May Accelerate Aging, Even When Not Looking At Your Screen
New research reports that blue light damages cells in the brain as well as retinas.To the researchers surprise, results also showed that light accelerated aging.
Tag: lutein
Protect Your Eyes from Digital Strain with These Vision Nutrients
Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash Written by Luke Kornblatt In the age of modern technology, it has become almost impossible to avoid the constant exposure to the screens of electronic devices. Whether it be from a cell phone, a tablet, a computer, or a …
Why Include a Vision Nutrient, Lutein, in a Multiple Vitamin?
Written By Karan R Gregg Aggarwala, MS, PhD
Karan R Gregg Aggarwala holds a PhD and a Master’s of Science Degree in Vision Science from the State University of New York College of Optometry. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship in nutritional optometry under the guidance of Dr. Benjamin C. Lane of Lake Hiawatha, NJ. He has worked as a medical writer and associate medical director in the NY area since 2009. Meet Dr. Gregg for a free nutritional consultation at our 72nd Street retail location in Manhattan, New York.
What are the benefits of Lutein?
Lutein, a known nutrient for vision health, has also emerged as a major player for brain health, supporting memory functions throughout our lifespan, especially during childhood and the aging process. In our retina, an essential region for crystal clear vision, the concentration of two carotenoids – Lutein and Zeaxanthin (abbreviated L + Z) – are essential for ongoing vision health. They are so important to vision that they are commonly referred to as macular pigments. The macula is a filter that helps protect the eye.†
Here are the Top 10 Nutrients for Healthy Vision. Are you incorporating enough? >>
Healthy, robust macular tissue, rich in L + Z, has key functions, including filtering out blue light and focusing on objects for our sharpest vision (such as in reading a newspaper). Blue light is unstable and exposure is everywhere, even on your cell phone or TV screen. If it penetrates deep into our eyes, it damages the many small organs in our retina that are required for vision. Having a thicker macular tissue shields from blue light and this robustness is largely due to its L + Z content.†
What could restoring Lutein do for vision health?
L + Z levels decline with age largely due to a decreasing ability to absorb sufficient quantities from foods. Research shows that restoring L + Z levels through supplementation reinforces macular health and supports and even improves fine vision. Interestingly, the amount of L + Z in our eyes is reflected by the concentration in our blood plasma and this also reflects the concentration in our brain. Lutein is the dominant protective carotenoid pigment in the brain. Using up L + Z in our eyes, due to blue light exposure, depletes the Lutein level of our brain, which can eventually impact memory. Research shows that adequate Lutein in the brain is necessary for ongoing memory functions.†
Supplementing with L + Z is shown to improve brain health and memory functions, especially in aging adults. To help ensure adequate intake, we have included natural sourced L + Z in our Multiple-Vitamin, Mineral formulas, as well as our Chewable InVite® Multiple for Kids.†
Questions about Lutein or Multivitamins? Leave us a comment below to join the conversation!
One Orange A Day for Healthy Vision
Photo by Stephanie Studer on Unsplash It turns out, orange juice is more than just America’s favorite morning beverage! According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers say those who ate at least one orange a day during the study, …
Staring At A Screen All Day? How To Naturally Protect Your Eyes
Your eyes are similar to a camera. Like any camera, if your eye becomes damaged, you do not get a clear picture. Exposed to large amounts of stimulation daily, your eyes are able to efficiently process information at the blink of an eye (pun intended!). …
Lutein Supplements May Improve Recovery from Light & Degradation
According to data from the Lutein, Vision and Mental Acuity II (LAMA II) study, lutein and zeaxanthin may improve recovery from photostress and disability glare.
The Study on Lutein Supplements
Photostress recovery is “the amount of time the macular requires to return to its normal functioning level after exposure to a bright light source.” Disability glare has been defined as a “degradation of contrast which has been caused by a reduction in visual performance.”\
The study found that a lutein and zeaxanthin supplement was associated with increases in macular pigment density (MPOD) and significant improvements in photostress recovery (PSR), and disability glare (DG) thresholds after six months and 12 months. Researchers report, “The results of our study, particularly those from the PSR portion, are illustrative of effects elicited by both filtering of light by MPOD, and by retinal physiology enhancement by the [macular carotenoids].”
Vision Health
Your eyes are similar to a camera, and like a camera, if any part of your eye becomes damaged you do not get a clear picture. Some of the common risks that affect your vision are your lifetime exposure to sunlight, your age, and smoking. All of these contribute to cumulative damage that can affect the crystalline lens of the eye where cataracts can occur, clouding vision, or damage the sensitive macular region of the retina, also contributing to vision loss. These threats are magnified, especially if they occur in conjunction with a low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables or antioxidant supplements.
During our youth, there is a hearty supply of available nutrients to help protect the eyes – organs which consist of many smaller, delicate organs – from damaging effects of an unstable type of oxygen called free radicals. As we age, the pool of available nutrients decreases, exposing the eyes to the harmful impact of free radicals. As a natural reaction to protect itself, the eye is very selective in what it allows inside the cells. The activity of vision production alone releases a large volume of free radicals that can contribute to ocular aging. Many scientific studies have shown the benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin for eye health. Further studies support the use of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) for eye health, which creates Glutathione, and Bilberry to increase visual acuity and stamina for those with night blindness and tired eyes.
Read this study now: Bilberry Extract, along with Fish Oils and Lutein Improve Eye Fatigue
Drugs that Deplete Vision Health
Many drugs affect the eye, sometimes temporarily causing dryness or inflammation and sometimes causing permanent structural damage affecting the sharpness of your vision. Some of these drugs are commonly used and do not require a prescription. The entire family of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can cause visual side effects such as cataracts, dry eyes, and retinal hemorrhages that may result from long-term use. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium; all available without a prescription. Also acetaminophen, though not an NSAID, can be harmful. For a list of drugs and non-prescription medications that commonly deplete essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients, click here.