Electronic devices now feature in our lives more than ever. We use them for work, entertainment, exercise, information - almost everything. In fact, research suggests that the average person spends just under seven hours staring at a screen each day.

As necessary as electronic devices may be, they have one major drawback: they can damage our eyes. 

Digital devices and your eyes 

The screens from electronic devices emit blue light, the highest energy color of the light spectrum that we can see. Blue light has a very short wavelength, which means it produces more energy than other colors we can see.

These high energy levels allow blue light to penetrate the cornea and lens of the retina. 

Numerous studies have investigated the effects of long-term exposure to blue light on our eyes - and the findings aren’t so good. 

Some early studies in animals suggested that regular exposure to blue light can increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. AMD is a serious eye disease that gradually destroy your vision. It’s usually caused by damage to the macula — the part of the eye that allows you to see clearly.  

According to the American Optometric Association, an array of eye and vision-related problems can result from just two hours a day of continuous digital device use. This is known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. 

During lockdown, many of us increased our time spent using digital devices. One study found that this led to a significant increase in eye strain symptoms, including:

• Sore, watery eyes
• Tired eyes
• Headache
• A burning sensation in the eyes
• Eye redness and irritation
• Dry eye syndrome
• Blurred vision 
• Musculoskeletal issues such as back and neck pain 

Those who work with computers every day are the most at risk of blue light exposure, and receive even more of this light than they would from UV rays. In addition to eye strain, many of these people also experience headaches, disturbed sleep patterns, and even vision loss. 

How to protect eye health with antioxidants

We can’t always avoid using digital devices. They’re part of our life! But we can protect our eyes from the damage they may cause. 

Screen protectors and blue light filters are now widely available, with many manufacturers claiming they can help protect eyes from blue light. However, there’s not a lot of evidence that these accessories provide real benefits.

But there is something that is backed by science. Antioxidants!

Let’s explain why, starting with the ‘king’ of all antioxidants: astaxanthin. 

If you’ve been following our blog, you’ll know that Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful natural compounds on the planet. This is all thanks to its incredible antioxidant activity.

Astaxanthin is a bright red carotenoid pigment found naturally in microalgae and sea creatures such as shrimps and lobsters. It has a unique molecular structure which allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier and protect the body’s cells from harmful oxidative stress. 

There’s now an ever-growing body of evidence to show that astaxanthin is extremely beneficial for the eyes. Taking astaxanthin every day can significantly boost our own antioxidant levels, which helps the body to neutralise oxidative damage and prevent inflammation: two things that can lead to eye diseases. Numerous clinical trials have found that astaxanthin can prevent and treat diseases affecting all parts of the eye, from the front (anterior) to the very back (posterior pole). That’s good news for anyone who works from a computer all day - not to mention those who love gaming or Netflix!

But that’s not the only antioxidant that can help save our eyes.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are a type of antioxidant called xanthophylls. They are also two of the most potent antioxidants for preventing and reducing the risk of age-related macular deterioration. 

Lutein and zeaxanthin can support overall eye health by increasing the macular pigment. The macular pigment absorbs blue-light, protecting the underlying photoreceptor cell layer in the eye from light damage. This has been shown to reduce the risk of several eye-related complications and eye diseases. In fact, taking lutein and zeaxanthin daily has been found to significantly improve recovery from photostress and overall visual performance.

While foods such as leafy greens and egg yolks provide small amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin, you’d have to eat a lot to get a high dose of each. Astaxanthin is a lot more difficult to find in foods. 

That’s why Asta Supreme created Advanced Vision Care. 

This unique formula contains Astaxanthin, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin to support overall eye health and help reduce the effects of damaging free radicals.

Your eyesight is precious. If you spend several hours in front of a screen each day, Advanced Vision Care could be a worthy investment. Check it out here, along with the rest of Asta Supreme’s amazing range.