The ScoopMake your future look bright by protecting your eyesight

Guest post by Scientific Advisory Board Member Nathalie Chevreau, PhD, RD

 

I challenge you. Look up right now at the people around you. Who is not looking at a computer screen or at a handheld device? It is our constant companion and as much as it opens up our world, our eyes are paying the price. As invaluable as our digital world is, we are only given one set of eyes.

This article covers how our eyesight is affected by light exposure and why we should take supplements and eat carotenoid-rich foods to protect our eyes.

Light exposure damages eyes

Our eyes are exposed to high levels of energy that we do not see, from the sun with its ultraviolet rays (UV) to the blue light range. Computers and other electronic devices emit light that is in the blue light range with wavelengths between 380 to 500 nanometers. We protect our eyes from the sun by wearing UV blocking sunglasses or a hat with a wide brim. What do we do about blue light protection?

Protect your eyes with carotenoids

The inherent way that the eyes are protected from harmful energy is from the presence of two major carotenoids found in the eye macula and retina: lutein and zeaxanthin. Both have a peak absorbance near 460 nm, smack in the blue light range. By absorbing the blue light, they help prevent damage, whether to our eyes or to the plants they are found in.  Rich sources of those carotenoids are green leafy and orange-yellow vegetables. Non-vegetarian sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include egg yolks.

Balance features those key carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, in levels that have been shown to support eye health in scientific studies. They are combined with zinc and antioxidants (vitamin A, vitamin C from Goji berries and acerola, tocotrienols from annatto) to further enhance the protection to the eyes. 

While taking Balance is invaluable to support your eye health, be mindful of the amount of screen time and consider specialized computer glasses. And, of course, as a dietitian, I recommend you increase your intake of carotenoids rich foods. Let’s put the twinkle back in your eyes.