Save Your Vision: A Guide to Keeping your Sight!

Hold on to Those Lovely Peepers

Did you know the average adult spends over 7 hours a day staring at screens? In today’s digital age our reliance on smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices has increased dramatically. It is no wonder this has led to rising concerns about eye health. March is here, and with it, a chance to learn more about our ‘windows to the soul’. Save Your Vision is an initiative aimed at raising awareness about vision health and the importance of preventive eye care.

With the prevalence of digital eye strain, exposure to harmful blue light, and the impact of UV radiation, our eyes face more challenges than ever before. According to the American Optometric Association, prolonged screen time can cause health issues such as headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and difficulty focusing. Despite these symptoms, many still neglect proper eye care until they experience noticeable vision problems.

It's easy to forget that some of our top senses need some care. That’s why March is all about vision. Taking proactive measures for your eyesight now can significantly reduce the risk of long-term damage.

Vitamin World is here to help! This March, let’s explore some essential tips to protect your vision.

Tips on Protecting Your Eyes

There are a few simple yet effective ways to protect your eyes and maintain optimal vision health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other leading health organizations recommend the following:

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

In this digital age, it can feel that we are always on our phones or computers. Staring at screens for extended periods of time can lead to digital eye strain. To reduce discomfort, follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice helps reduce strain and refresh your eyes.

2. Adjust Screen Settings and Lighting

Ensure that your screen brightness matches the surrounding environment to minimize glare. Use blue light filters or glasses to reduce exposure to blue light, which has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns and tired eyes.

3. Maintain Proper Screen Distance

Position your screen at an arm’s length (about 25 inches) away and slightly below eye level. This positioning helps reduce strain on your eyes and can minimize discomfort.

4. Blink!

Many people blink less frequently when using digital devices, leading to dry eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more often or use artificial tears if necessary to keep your eyes hydrated.

5. Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses

UV rays can contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration. You can grab a pair of sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you’re outdoors to shield your eyes from potential damage.

And if you’re out in the sun, Vitamin World also has some terrific skin care products to nourish your skin.

6. Add Supplements to Your Daily Routine

How can you support your eyes if you work with or around blue light?

Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining good vision. Research suggests that certain vitamins and minerals support eye health and may help prevent age-related vision problems. At Vitamin World, we’re all about information and ingredients. Some key nutrients from our Vitamin World brand that benefit your eyes include:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found in fish such as salmon or tuna, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce dry eye syndrome and support retinal function*.

Lutein

Lutein can be found in leafy greens like spinach and kale. It may help to filter harmful blue light and protect against macular degeneration down the road, according to the AOA*. Adding Lutein to your daily routine is easy – no morning kale needed with this supplement here.

Zinc

Zinc plays a critical role in bringing Vitamin A from the liver to your retinas and even helps produce melanin (a protective pigment that shields you from sun damage)*. It helps maintain the retina’s structure and function.* Foods like oysters, beef, seafood, beans and nuts are excellent Zinc sources. But, oysters every day? It’s much better to add some Zinc just as it is.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for overall eye health.* It may also help reduce the risk of cataracts*. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and berries are rich in this nutrient. This antioxidant can help protect your eye cells from oxidative stress, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.*

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is known to protect your eye cells from damage caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant properties.* It is commonly found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Pairing Vitamin C and E every day is like having a dream team in your visionary corner.

Advanced Vision Formula with Lutein

A convenient way to combine many of the elements listed above is Vitamin World’s Advanced Vision Formula with Lutein. This supplement is a scientifically formulated complex of eye-healthy nutrients such as Lutein, Bilberry and Zeaxanthin. It also includes Vitamin A, C and E as well as the eye-supporting amino acids Taurine and Glycine to maintain your vision and fight free radicals.* Combining these terrific ingredients in one daily capsule is an easy addition to anyone’s health regime.

If you struggle to get these nutrients from food alone, consider taking eye health supplements after consulting with a healthcare professional.

7. Embrace Regular Eye Exams

Maybe you feel that your eyesight is great. It’s still important to schedule regular eye exams! These appointments are crucial to detect health problems early. Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration can develop silently without noticeable symptoms.

• Early Detection: Many eye conditions progress slowly and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
• Prescription Updates: If you wear glasses or contact lenses, your prescription may change over time, affecting your vision clarity.
• Overall Health Check: Eye exams can also reveal signs of systemic health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain neurological conditions.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that every adult get a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. If you’re over 40 or if you have a family history of eye disease, it’s extremely important to stay on top of these appointments.

Let’s Celebrate Our Eyes and Keep Them Healthy!

Your eyes are invaluable. Take the necessary steps to protect them and keep them a priority every day.

This March, Save Your Vision month, commit to adopt healthier habits such as following the 20-20-20 rule, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and scheduling regular eye exams. And if you’re doing all this work on your own, add some vison-supporting supplements to help you out. By being proactive, you can easily reduce the risk of vision problems and work towards a lifetime of healthy sight.

 Seeing the world clearly is a gift worth preserving!

Visit us online at Vitamin World to shop our vison care deals, or in-person at your local store.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.