Support Healthy Vision with Carlson

Our eyes truly are the windows to our world. They are so incredibly intricate, and we should not take our vision for granted as we could lose it in the blink of an eye! Unfortunately, most don't think about their eye health until it begins to fail them. With the current state of events happening in the world today, people of all ages are depending on devices for their schooling, entertainment, and work more than ever; therefore, they need to focus on taking specific nutrients for healthy vision like vitamin A, omega-3s, carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin.

On average, it has been noted that children and adults spend anywhere from 5-9 hours on their devices, and it is imperative to take significant breaks from this blue light exposure. We need to support our vision with the right nutrients to keep them working and focusing properly, and although we may try to consume the foods that support vision, typically diets fall short and this is where supplements like vitamin A come in to assist. Vitamin A is important for healthy vision as it plays an important role in helping the eyes adapt to light changes. The DRI (Daily Recommended Intake) amount of retinol or retinyl forms of vitamin A varies from 900 RAE (retinol activity equivalents) to 1300 RAE; however, with certain eye issues, even higher amounts are recommended. Carlson offers a Vitamin A Palmitate with 4,500 mcg RAE in one soft gel.

Omega-3s have various roles in supporting healthy vision such as aiding the normal development and functioning of the retina and macula, as well as, having antiinflammatory properties. Omega3s, specifically DHA, support healthy retinal function and approximately 60% of our retina is made of DHA. You can obtain enough DHA through supplements like our Super DHA Gems which contains 500 mg per soft gel.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, which are found in fruits, vegetables, and other foods, and are stored in high amounts in and around the macula. Zeaxanthin is the predominant carotenoid found in the center of the macula, and lutein is found in higher concentrations in the surrounding retina. They may increase macular pigment density, which is associated with healthy retinas and vision, and they also are powerful antioxidants that work to protect our eyes and vision by filtering and blocking harmful UV sunlight and digital blue light (computers, laptops, tablets, phones), as well as, providing protection stopping oxidative stress and retinal damage from free radicals. Although there is no recommended daily intake for lutein and zeaxanthin, most recent studies show health benefits in taking approximately up to 10 mg/ day of a lutein supplement and close to 2 mg/day of a zeaxanthin supplement. Carlson has Lutein softgels that contain 6 mg of lutein and 1 mg of zeaxanthin, and just 2 softgels a day will bring you to the amount recommended. This product uses Lutemax 2020 which is a trademarked formulation that provides 3 carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin) that is clinically proven to support eye health by filtering high-energy blue light from digital devices and indoor/outdoor light. These work as protection and help boost overall eye health by reducing eyestrain from digital device use, supporting glare tolerance, protecting against oxidative stress, and promoting retinal and macular health.

Astaxanthin is one of the most potent antioxidant carotenoids and plays an important role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. Since it can cross the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers, it can deliver antioxidant protection to our eyes, brain, and nervous system. Carlson's Astaxanthin Gummies are made with Astaferm™, the first fermented astaxanthin that is fast-acting and highly absorbable, and it also contains vitamin C. These nutrients work synergistically as vitamin C regenerates other antioxidants like astaxanthin.

Whether you are looking to prevent eye deterioration, or you are looking to prevent any further deterioration, these are some of the more important key nutrients that promote healthy vision and function. Also, don't forget that it is important to turn off all digital devices a few hours before bed, use the setting tool to change blue light on your devices, or consider blue-light-blocking screen covers or glasses. All these choices will contribute to better overall eye health.