Recent studies of general eye health across the generations has revealed that our eyes are under attack from different causes. Depletion of the ozone layer is currently allowing additional UV radiation to strike our eyes compared with the typical amount of UV in the 20th Century. Television and computer screens are providing a second cause that negatively affects our eyes. The increased UV radiation has lessened our protection from the damage that that radiation inflicts on the eyes and skin as well. During the day and into the night the constant focusing on the computer and television screens takes its toll on the muscles of the eye. Eyestrain typically results from the extended hours spent viewing those screens for hours at the same distance day after day.
Fortunately some recent eye research has identified an antioxidant that can prevent eyestrain. The name of this carotenoid antioxidant is astaxanthin that was first identified in Asia and further verified last year in the US. The researchers verified that supplementing with astaxanthin decreased eye fatigue and shortened the recovery time of the eyes of folks who had spent time focusing on a monitor’s screen for extended periods of time. It turns out that astaxanthin is an oxygenated carotenoid, so it protects better against free radical damage than the beta-carotene in carrots. Finally astaxanthin is a member of the family of compounds that have been directly linked to
a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
This is very good new for seniors who are looking for preemptive aging means to improve the quality of their senior living.

1. Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac. says:

   December 21, 2009 at 9:25 am

   Eye strain can be reduced significantly by taking regular breaks from the computer, resting your eyes, stretching and doing eye exercises.

   For a demo of 3 great eye exercises by Dr. Grossman, one of the Country’s leading behavioral optometrists, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W10j2fL0hy0

   Research studies show that supplementing with astaxanthin, lutein and black current seed oil daily significantly improved eye strain at week 2 and 4 of the test period.

   For more information, go to http://www.naturaleyecare.com/diseases.asp?d_num=14
2. Gilmore says:

   December 21, 2009 at 12:28 pm

   First of all thank you for posting your comments in regard to the issue of relieving eye strain.
   Your comments about taking breaks from viewing the screen, be it the computer or TV, are very important additions to taking supplements that relieve eyestrain.