Tips for Managing Four Common Vision Concerns Effectively
Vision concerns are common to most Americans at some point in their lives, whether from environmental influences or a medical condition. Common concerns include eyestrain, age-related vision changes, or even the simple discomfort that comes from having dry eyes.
Our experts have laid out four common vision concerns and some helpful tips on how to manage them simply and effectively.
Four Common Vision Concerns
1Eyestrain
Eyestrain is definitely no fun, with most folks who experience this concern reporting headaches, eyes that just feel "tired" or even blurry vision. And the causes can vary from reading too long to fatigue from exposure to blue light from a digital device (TV screen, computer monitor or even a smart phone).1
Fortunately, managing eyestrain is relatively easy. For starters, the solution to this concern may be as simple as adjusting your surroundings.
If possible, dim your ambient lighting (indirect, or from sources other than what you’re looking directly at) by closing window coverings, avoiding harsh fluorescent bulbs or using an anti-glare screen on your computer.
Another helpful tip is to remember to take it easy when it comes to your eyes. Be sure to allow your eyes to rest by taking periodic breaks for what some doctors call the 20-20-20 rule: “look away from your computer at least every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for at least 20 seconds."2
Looking for a solution that will help long-term? Consider adding an eye health supplement like Synergistic Eye Health. This particular supplement features powerful carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin which have been studied for their positive effects on overall eye health and protection against blue light fatigue.3
2. Dry Eyes
Sometimes experienced alongside eyestrain, dry eyes can be both frustrating and uncomfortable. Common causes for this concern include environmental conditions, hormonal changes related to aging and in some cases even medical conditions which are best left to conversations with your doctor.4
Managing dry eyes is usually a relatively easy task. For most folks, simply applying eye drops can help moisten eyes that feel like sandpaper.
Like we said above, be gentle on your eyes to help avoid and manage concerns like dry eyes by wearing sunglasses on sunny days and by avoiding seasonal challenges that may cause you discomfort, such as spending long periods of time outside on days with high pollen counts.
Once again, dietary supplements may also play a part in managing and even improving your experience. For example, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help with overall eye health, including helping against dry eyes.5
Omega-3 fatty acids have the added benefit of offering antioxidant support against free radicals and are relatively easy to supplement, with sources including fish oil, krill oil and even plant-based formulas.
Another supplement which may support the healthy management of dry eyes is eyebright. Used traditionally in Europe, this happy-sounding plant offers defense against oxidative stress and is believed to support a proper immune response to seasonal, respiratory challenges which can sometimes include feelings of dry eye.6
3Age-Related Vision Concerns
As we age, natural changes in blood flow and certain proteins in the eyes may lead to vision concerns. While this is a common experience, there are certain ways in which we can manage these concerns while embracing healthy aging.7
A helpful way to manage age-related vision concerns is by supplementing your healthy diet with certain key nutrients, such as astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant carotenoid found primarily in algae, but also in certain shellfish.8 Highly potent, astaxanthin helps to protect the cells of the macula against free-radical damage.9
To ensure you're benefiting from multiple nutrients known to support eye health over time, consider adding a combination formula like Age Related Eye Support to your health regimen. This particular supplement offers powerful antioxidants in addition to eye-supporting vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin E and even minerals essential to strong vision like zinc and copper.
4. General Eye Health
Daily life can certainly provide its share of challenges leading to general eye health concerns. While some vision concerns are best left to conversations with your doctor, there are a few general tips which can help you better manage common vision concerns simply and naturally.
To begin with, remember what we said above about going easy on your eyes? Basic practices like avoiding smoking, wearing sunglasses on sunny days and limiting the amount of time you spend staring at digital screens can all go a long way to preserving your eye health.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet rich in certain key nutrients can also play a huge part in managing your vision health both now and in the future. Antioxidant nutrients like vitamins C, E and A (beta carotene), lutein, astaxanthin and zeaxanthin all help fortify the eye’s defenses against the rigors of daily life and environmental exposure.10
Other helpful nutrients for managing vision concerns include zinc, which works with vitamin A to help produce the eye pigment known as melanin (to protect the eye against UV light),11 and gamma linoleic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid.
Vision Concerns Managed
Managing vision concerns for better eye health over time can at first seem intimidating. However, by following these simple tips and considering the ways in which vision health supplements may benefit you, it will soon become clear that managing healthy vision, even as we age, is something anyone can do!
Always serving our customers,
Your friends at Swanson
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
1. Eyestrain. Mayo Clinic. Read source
2. How Does the 20-20-20 Rule Prevent Eye Strain? HealthLine. Read source
3. The Role of Carotenoids in Human Health. PubMed. Read source
4. Dry Eye. American Optometric Association. Read source
5. Fish Oil Supplements and Dry Eyes. Mayo Clinic. Read source
6. Eyebright. HealthLine. Read source
7. Age Related Macular. National Library of Medicine. Read source
8. Astaxanthin Sources. National Library of Medicine. Read source
9. Clinical Applications of Astaxanthin. National Library of Medicine. Read source
10. Eight Nutrients That Will Optimize Your Eye Health. HealthLine. Read source
11. What Are the Best Vitamins for Eye Health? Medical News Today. Read source
