In This Issue
- FROM THE DOCTOR: Blue Light: A Danger that Worsens Macular Degeneration
- NUTRITION: How Spinach Can Prevent Damage from Blue Light, and Help with AMD
In this March edition of the Healthy Eyes Report, Dr. Buensuceso discusses the dangers of blue light and how it can worsen your macular degeneration. He also provides practical ways to protect and minimize the damage that blue light causes.
We share some tasty spinach recipes information. Spinach is a rich source of Vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and other vitamins and minerals that help prevent AMD.
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Blue Light: A Danger that Worsens Macular Degeneration
Hello! In this month’s e-newsletter, we’ll be talking about how blue light can worsen the progression of AMD, and the steps you can take to help prevent further damage to your eyes.
Blue Light
Blue light is one of the rays of light that make up sunlight or white light. Within that spectrum, red light is the weakest and blue light is the strongest in terms of how much energy it contains.
The front structures of the eye (the cornea and lens) have no defense against blue light, so it easily passes through to the retina which is where the macula resides. Blue light can damage the photocells (light sensitive cells) in the retina, and thus contribute to macular degeneration.
Although more research is needed to determine how much blue light is too much versus how much can be safely absorbed, eye care practitioners are still concerned about damage that can occur from blue light from sources such as computer screens, tablets and smart phones, and other digital devices.
Extended use of digital devices can also cause blurred vision and burning or watery eyes. That’s because prolonged staring into laptop screens, tablets, and smart phones causes the eyes to dry out, leading to the strain of your eye’s focusing muscles.
Filters and Protective Eye Wear
If you are a heavy user of digital devices, it might be worth it to install blue light filters. In fact, many devices already have blue light filters built in automatically – you can find it under “settings.” These filters block a large percentage of blue light from reaching your eyes, and they don’t distort what you’re seeing on the screen.
Computer eye glasses with blue light filters are also available, in nonprescription and prescription lenses. The nonprescription computer eyeglasses can be ordered from many online stores including Amazon, and you can also find them in many brick and mortar department stores.
If you need prescription computer eye glasses, you can go to your eye doctor and have them made according to your prescription. In fact, incorporating your prescription helps to further prevent the eye strain that comes from looking at your computer or phone.
Vitamin E
Studies have shown that alpha-tocopherol, a derivative of vitamin E, is effective in stopping the damage that blue light causes to photocells in the retina. It also carries some benefits in terms of fighting AMD.
Vitamin E is used by your body in all sorts of ways, especially as an antioxidant for getting rid of free radicals. It also helps to prevent bad cholesterol from clogging up arteries.
MaxiVision brand supplements contains Vitamin E in its Whole Body, Ocular, Eye and Body, Eye, and Macula Formulas to help slow down or prevent AMD and maintain your eyes’ overall health.
For those interested in preventing blue light solely, Maxi Vision has a product called Meso-Plus. Please consult your eye care practitioner if you want additional information on how to combat the effect of blue light.
As you can see, blue light poses a significant threat to your vision, especially if you’re at risk for AMD. But, with some easy-to-implement preventive measures, the threats can be minimized.
How Spinach Can Prevent Damage from Blue Light, and Help with AMD
The health benefits of spinach to the body as a whole are undeniable, but did you know it’s very beneficial for your eyes, too?
Spinach is a rich source of Vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and other vitamins and minerals that help prevent AMD, itchy eyes, and dry eyes.
You can prepare spinach in variety of ways, including: as an addition to your salad, or as a side to compliment your beef, chicken, or seafood dishes.
