Ashley Marie Handy

Now that winter is here, many of us are enjoying cozy evenings by the fireplace and outdoor winter activities. However, for some, winter also brings a common discomfort: dry eyes. The cold air, combined with indoor heating, can lead to irritated and parched eyes. In this blog, we'll explore the causes of dry eyes during winter and provide practical tips to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy!  Understanding Dry Eyes in Winter  During winter, humidity levels drop, creating a dry environment both indoors and outdoors. This decrease in moisture can result in heightened evaporation of the tears that naturally shield and lubricate our eyes, leading to a sensation of dryness and irritation. Indoor heating systems can inadvertently worsen the situation by lowering indoor humidity levels, intensifying the dryness. Additionally, the combination of cold winds and bright sunlight during winter often leads to reduced blinking, impeding the proper distribution of tears across the eye's surface, thereby compounding the issue of dryness.  Tips for Alleviating Dry Eyes  Use a Humidifier:  Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help maintain comfortable humidity levels in your home or office, reducing the risk of dry eyes. Stay Hydrated:  Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain the production of tears. Take Breaks from Screens:  Extended screen time can lead to decreased blinking and exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. For additional protection against blue light, try Focus Blue Light gummies! Blink Frequently:  Blinking helps to spread tears evenly and keeps your eyes moist. Avoid Direct Heat:  Position yourself away from direct heat sources like radiators or heaters to prevent excessive evaporation of tears. Use Eye Drops or Artificial Tears:  Over-the-counter artificial tear solutions can provide temporary relief for dry eyes. Focus PI eye drops are formulated for post-injection, but due to their high viscosity, they are great for long-lasting dry eye relief! Take Omega-3 Supplements:  Omega-3s can improve the composition of tears, making them more effective in keeping the eyes properly lubricated. Focus Relief Plus® delivers 1620mg of powerful Omega-3 fatty acids (rTG form) daily, with more than 90% EPA and DHA. This concentration surpasses other popular supplements! Winter's dry conditions can pose challenges for maintaining comfortable, well-lubricated eyes. By understanding the causes of dry eyes in winter and implementing these practical tips, you can minimize discomfort and keep your eyes in optimal health throughout the season. Remember, if dry eye symptoms persist or worsen, consult with an eye care professional for personalized advice and treatment options. 

As the leaves continue to change and the air turns brisk, we find ourselves entering flu season once again. With the threat of sickness looming, fortifying our defenses is essential. One powerful ally in our battle against the flu is often overlooked: Omega-3 supplements. 

The Omega-3 Advantage 

Immune System Support  Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout, are known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a key component of the body's immune response, but it can weaken the immune system when it becomes severe. Omega-3s help regulate this response, enhancing the body’s ability to combat viruses like the flu. Reduced Inflammation Flu symptoms can become worse by excessive inflammation. Omega-3s, in their EPA and DHA forms, play a crucial role in moderating inflammatory processes within the body. By reducing inflammation, Omega-3s can help alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery. Enhanced Respiratory Health The respiratory system is particularly vulnerable during flu season. Omega-3s have been shown to benefit lung function and reduce the severity of respiratory conditions. By maintaining healthy lung tissue and function, they create an inhospitable environment for viruses to thrive. Improved Antiviral Response Omega-3s have been found to enhance the production of specialized proteins called cytokines, which regulate the body's immune response. This means that the body is better equipped to launch a robust defense when it detects a virus, potentially shortening the duration and severity of flu symptoms. Mood and Mental Health Boost Flu season can be a trying time, not only physically, but mentally as well. According to Harvard Health Publishing, Omega-3s have been associated with improved mood and mental well-being. They can help stabilize mood swings and reduce symptoms of depression, ensuring you stay resilient during the season. Protection for Vulnerable Populations For those who are more susceptible to severe flu complications, such as the elderly or individuals with pre-existing health conditions, Omega-3 supplements can offer an extra layer of protection. Their immune-boosting properties can help fortify the body against potential threats. 

As we navigate through flu season, arm yourself with the power of Omega-3s. Focus Relief Plus® provides 1620 mg of re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) Omega-3 fatty acids per day with over 90% EPA and DHA, a higher concentration than other leading supplements. It also contains 75 mg of GLA, which when combined with EPA/DHA, can play an important role in reducing inflammation. All of this is provided in a compact and easy-to-swallow softgel! 

Did you know that August is Children's Eye Health & Safety Month? It is essential to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy vision in children, especially since only half of parents recognize screen time's impact on children’s eye health. Our eyes play a crucial role in our overall development and learning, making it vital to prioritize eye health from an early age. Here are some key points to consider during Children's Eye Health & Safety Month:

Regular Eye Exams:  Routine eye exams are fundamental to identifying any vision problems early on. According to the American Optometric Association, children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at around 6 months of age, followed by exams at 3 years old and before starting school. Regular check-ups help detect issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or lazy eye, ensuring appropriate interventions are implemented if necessary.Healthy Habits:  Encourage healthy habits that promote good eye health. This includes minimizing screen time and taking breaks during prolonged use of digital devices. Encourage outdoor activities that allow children to focus on distant objects, which can help reduce the risk of myopia (nearsightedness).Protecting Their Eyes:  Shielding children's eyes from harmful UV rays is crucial. Ensure they wear sunglasses that offer proper UV protection when spending time outdoors. Additionally, protective eyewear should be worn during sports or activities that pose a risk of eye injury.Proper Lighting:  Adequate lighting is essential for reading, writing, and other visual tasks. Ensure that children have sufficient lighting in their study areas to reduce eye strain.Balanced Nutrition:  A healthy diet is not only vital for overall well-being but also for eye health. Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, nuts, and seeds) to support healthy vision.Awareness of Warning Signs:  Be vigilant for any warning signs that may indicate vision problems in children, such as frequent eye rubbing, squinting, holding objects too close, tilting the head, or complaining of headaches or blurred vision. If you notice any concerns, consult an eye care professional promptly.

By emphasizing regular eye exams, encouraging healthy habits, protecting their eyes from harmful rays, ensuring proper lighting, promoting a balanced diet, and being aware of warning signs, we can prioritize the well-being of our children's eyes. With half of parents unaware of the impact of screen time on eye health, it is crucial to raise awareness and take proactive measures to safeguard their vision from an early age. 

The internet has become a great way for people to stay in touch with family, read the news, conduct business, access records, and even shop for essential necessities, including vitamins and supplements. Unfortunately, cybercrimes against adults aged 60 and over have increased dramatically, according to the FBI’s Elder Fraud Report. Of the almost 800,000 complaints of cybercrime reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in 2020, over 200,000 victims were over the age of 60. Our priority is and will always be our customers. Safety has always been top of mind, and because of that, we’d like to share some safety tips and what you can expect when shopping at Focus Vitamins. 

How to Protect Your Personal Information Online  The easiest way to stay safe online is to use an antivirus software that blocks viruses and scam websites. Some even have additional features like firewalls, password managers, data breach monitors, and more. Another way to protect your information online is by securing your accounts, especially those with personal information such as banks, email, and social media accounts. The best way to do this is by using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.   Password Best Practices  By now you are probably familiar with the process of creating online accounts. Usually, you need an email and a password. When choosing a password, length trumps complexity. The longer a password is, the better! Your passwords should be hard to guess, but easy to remember. Avoid using single words or information that can be easily found on your social media accounts (birthday, pet names, hometown, etc). Passwords should contain a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Here are the top 10 most common passwords that you should avoid using:  123456 123456789 qwerty password 12345 qwerty123 1q2w3e 12345678 111111 1234567890 You should also try using different passwords for different accounts, that way if one gets compromised, the others will be safe. Never share your passwords with anyone, unless you are certain they are trustworthy. If you believe you might forget your passwords, consider using a password manager like LastPass.  Tips for Online Shopping  Online shopping has increased in popularity, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows people to find items quicker, explore different merchants, and find the lowest prices from the comfort of their own homes. This is great for people with low mobility or those who don’t have access to transportation. Here are some security tips for online shopping:  1. Use a credit card - Never send cash, cashier’s checks, or money orders when shopping online or over the phone. Using a credit card can be safer than a debit card. Not only are debit cards directly linked to your bank accounts, but credit cards usually have better consumer protection. The image below shows important information to know about your credit cards. When using a credit card or debit card to make a purchase via phone or on the web, this is the information you may need to provide: 

Image source:https://solo.co/blog/how-to-use-a-credit-card/ 

2. Research the company - Before checking out, make sure you research the company to ensure it is legit and reputable. Many websites will display a lock symbol in the address bar, this means that the website is safe to enter your information.   3. Create an account - By creating an account, you won’t have to input your information every time you want to make a purchase since all your information will already be saved in your account.   Check out more tips here.

What to Expect When Shopping at Focus Vitamins  There are different ways you can purchase Focus Vitamins:  1. Clinic - Use our Find a Doctor Tool to find a clinic near you! The clinics we partner with sell our supplements at their location and usually offer a discount code. 2. Phone - Our Customer Service Team is always here to help! Our hours are Monday-Friday from 10AM to 4PM EST and you can reach them by calling (855) 663-6287. In order to order via phone, the rep will need some information from you:  Full name Address (billing & shipping) Phone Number Email (optional) - This creates an account that you can later use to log on to via the website and make your purchase there To checkout, we will require your credit card number and expiration date 3. Website - Shopping through our website is easy and convenient. To make a purchase, go to FocusVitamins.com, create an account, and simply add the product to your shopping cart and continue with the checkout process. The information needed to create an account is the same as the above.  4. Amazon - You can use the Amazon app on your smartphone or tablet, or you can visit the Amazon website to purchase our supplements. Unfortunately, there are resellers on Amazon that sometimes sell our supplements at an increased price. When shopping on Amazon, make sure the bottle is sold by Focus Vision Supplements and shipped from Amazon, see image below to learn where you can find those details.

5. Walmart.com - Did you know that our supplements are also available on Walmart.com? Like Amazon, there are other companies that sell our products at higher prices on that platform. When shopping on Walmart.com make sure that the seller is Focus Vitamins and that it is fulfilled by Walmart. See image below to learn where you can find those details.  

How We Keep Your Information Safe  Keeping our customers’ information safe is a priority. For your safety, once your credit card number is saved in our system, we can only see the last 4 digits and no other information. If you’d like to know exactly how we use the information you provide to us, please review our Privacy Policy which can be found on our website. 

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month, and we'd like to share some important information about AMD with you. Read on to learn about the different types of AMD, the risk factors, and what you can do to protect your vision. What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a chronic and progressive eye disease that affects the macula, which is where your vision is sharpest. The macula is responsible for central vision, which allows seeing fine details clearly and therefore being able to perform daily activities such as reading and driving. As the macula degenerates, it can result in blurring, darkening, or distortion of one's central vision. AMD has become a leading cause of blindness in adults and primarily affects older individuals. There are two different types of AMD: dry and wet. Each type affects the eyes differently. Contributing Factors to AMD There are several risk factors that can contribute to developing age-related macular degeneration, including: Age - being 50 and olderFamily history of macular degenerationSmokingGenderRaceDiet - eating a diet high in saturated fatHigh blood pressure or hypertensionSun exposureDry AMD Most people who have macular degeneration have Dry AMD. Dry AMD is a slow deterioration of the cells in the macula over the years. These cells die off and are not able to be renewed. It can start in one eye before developing in the other, or in some cases, it may develop in both eyes at the same time. Vision loss is typically central, and people retain their peripheral vision. Some people have only mild central vision loss. In others, it can be more severe.  Dry AMD is characterized by tiny yellow deposits that form under the retina called drusen. Drusen can be detected using advanced imaging technology by your eye physician, which is why it's important to get your eyes checked every year.  Unfortunately, there is currently no medical treatment for dry AMD. However, a large scientific study performed by the National Eye Institute has shown that the antioxidant vitamins and zinc contained in Focus MaculaPro® supported eye health. Wet AMD Wet age-related macular degeneration develops when abnormal blood vessels grow into the macula leaking blood or fluid, which leads to scarring and rapid loss of central vision. Wet AMD symptoms usually appear suddenly and worsen at a fast pace. These symptoms may include the following: Visual distortionA blurred/blind spot in the center of your visionRequiring more light for readingDifficulty seeing in low lightColors not seeming as brightOverall vision is hazyApproximately 10% of people who have macular degeneration have the wet type. Though this type is less common, it usually leads to more severe vision loss than dry AMD. Wet AMD Treatments There are three medications used to treat wet macular degeneration: Avastin (bevacizumab), Lucentis (ranibizumab), and EYLEA (Afibercept). Each of these drugs targets a chemical in the eye known as vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF. Blocking VEGF reduces the growth of abnormal blood vessels associated with wet macular degeneration, slows their fluid leakage, helps to slow vision loss, and in some patients improves vision. Click here to learn more about anti-VEGF treatments directly from the American Academy of Ophthalmology®. Your retina specialist injects these medications directly into your eye in an outpatient procedure. Before the procedure, your retina specialist will clean your eye with Betadine to prevent infection and will use an anesthetic to numb your eye. You may need several injections over the course of many months to stop the disease. Long-term anti-VEGF treatment is often needed for sustained benefit. What you can expect after an ocular injection: Burning Sensation (from betadine, if this persists try using ocular lubricants as directed by your doctor)Blood on the white part of your eye (sclera) that may last several daysIrritation of the injected eye (again, from the betadine)Watering of the injected eyeLight sensitivityFloaters or bubbles at the bottom of your vision

Focus Vitamins has formulated Focus PI (Post-Injection) eye drops to provide relief from irritation associated with eye injections. As the first product of its kind, Focus PI helps soothe any eye discomfort you might experience after receiving ocular injections. Because of its highly viscous Hypromellose formula, Focus PI can be beneficial in both the management of post-injection eye irritation and the management of dry eyes.

AMD is not preventable. However, there are things you can do to help lessen its impact on your ocular health. Your macula contains an important protective substance known as macula pigment (MP). Your MP is composed of Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-Zeaxanthin. The first two are obtained from diet and found in corn, squash, broccoli, and leafy green veggies like spinach and kale. These nutrients can also be consumed in an ocular supplement, like Focus Select®.

Fall is here, which means flu season is right around the corner. Is your immune system ready? Oftentimes people believe that they can support their immune system just by eating a healthy diet, but the reality is that there are many factors that influence immune function. The immune system is a balanced group of cells and organs that work together to defend your body against disease-causing microorganisms. In order for the immune system to work properly, it needs the right amount of nutrients and the right environment. Ways to Support a Healthy Immune System In order for not only your immune system, but your entire body to function properly, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle. There are many good habits that will help you lead a healthy lifestyle; these include but are not limited to the following: Manage Stress: There have been many studies that have found that high stress levels may negatively affect the immune system. Sometimes stress is inevitable, so try to be aware of when you are stressed and learn good coping mechanisms such as meditation. Get Enough Sleep: Research on the links between sleep and health shows that sleep and the immune system are closely connected. When the body is trying to fight a disease, sleep is negatively affected. But, when the body gets enough sleep, the immune system is strengthened. Try aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep every night and keeping a consistent sleep schedule.  Exercise Regularly:  It is no secret that being physically active is one of the best things people of all ages can do to improve their health.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has resources that provide evidence-based advice on how physical activity can promote health and reduce the risk of diseases. You can download the current Physical Activity Guidelines here. Eat a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet is one that supplies the body with the nutrients it needs to work effectively. This means that most of your calories should come from fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Take Supplements: If eating a balanced diet is not accessible to you, consider taking a multivitamin that contains the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of several nutrients. Focus Vitamins recently launched an immunity line that includes multivitamin gummies. Focus Multivitamin Gummies contain the essential vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and more!

                Get 10% Off Focus Multivitamin Gummies

Dietary Supplements that Support the Immune System Research shows that some ingredients may help prevent or reduce symptoms of the common cold, influenza, and other respiratory tract infections. Below is a summary of some of those ingredients. Elderberry - The elderberry is a fruit of a small tree called Sambucus nigra. It contains elements that might have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial and even immune-stimulating effects. Research shows that because of this, elderberry might help prevent upper respiratory tract infections. Additionally, clinic trials involving elderberry’s effects on the common cold and influenza have shown promising results. To date, there are no clinical trials that study the effects of elderberry in treating or preventing COVID-19, according to ClinicTrials.gov. Vitamin C - It is no secret that vitamin C is vital for the immune system and that is because of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects. Vitamin C is normally found in many fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, broccoli, strawberries, and more.  Vitamin C deficiency is not very common in the United States, but some people may not be able to get enough vitamin C through their diet. When there is vitamin C deficiency, the immune function becomes impaired and therefore the body becomes more susceptible to infections and diseases. Fortunately, there are dietary supplements available that can help reach the RDA. Most multivitamins contain vitamin C, but vitamin C can also be found alone or in combination with other nutrients. Focus Vitamin C comes in orange flavored gummies and has 250 mg of vitamin C. Focus Multivitamins come in orange, cherry, and strawberry flavored gummies! For a limited time get 10% off your first bottle and two free KN95 masks!

       Explore the Focus Vitamins Immunity Supplements

Vitamin D - Vitamin D comes in two forms, vitamin D-2 and D-3, and is present in fatty fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks, and cheese. Vitamin D is best known for its role in keeping teeth and bones healthy by increasing the absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorous. If there is not enough vitamin D, the body can only absorb10% to 15% of dietary calcium, instead of the 30% to 40% that can be absorbed with enough vitamin D. The RDA for vitamin D ranges from 10 to 15 mcg for children and 15 to 20 mcg for adults. In addition to calcium absorption, vitamin D plays an essential role in immunity. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) vitamin D “appears to lower viral replication rates, suppress inflammation, and increase levels of T-regulatory cells and their activity”. This means that vitamin D can help the immune system stay balanced. Studies have shown that people with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to contract COVID-19 than those who were vitamin D sufficient and that people who regularly took vitamin D supplements were less likely to develop COVID-19 than those who did not.  One of the most common ways people get vitamin D is through fortified foods, such as fortified milk and fortified cereals, and sun exposure. Because vitamin D is only present in a few foods, for most people, the best way to get vitamin D is by taking supplements. Vitamin D can be found in 2 forms. Ergocalciferol (vitamin D-2) which is the plant form of vitamin D that typically comes from yeast, and Cholecalciferol (vitamin D-3) which the body produces after being exposed to the sun and the type that can be found in certain foods. So which vitamin D supplement is best? Because our bodies metabolize vitamin D-3 more effectively, it is less likely to result in toxicity. Additionally, studies show that daily vitamin D-3 is two to three times more efficient than weekly or monthly high-dose vitamin D-2. Focus Vitamin D-3 Gummies contain 50 mcg of vitamin D-3 and can help increase bone health, boost the immune system, and support a healthy heart. 

                            Try Vitamin D-3 Gummies

To view a full list of the ingredients that may help prevent or reduce symptoms of the common cold, influenza, and other respiratory tract infections, click here.   Dietary Supplements and COVID-19 Although treatments and vaccines are now available, people remain curious about dietary supplements that may help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, or even prevent COVID-19. Unfortunately, there haven’t been enough studies on people with COVID-19 that show the effectiveness of various dietary supplements, but research does show that they may improve the function of the immune system. The Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health has a fact sheet that discusses this topic in-depth and you can read it here. If you are not sure you are getting the RDA for specific nutrients, taking supplements can help ensure you do, but make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the options you have. Vitamin C, vitamin D-3, elderberry, and multivitamins that contain these and other essential nutrients can help assure that you get enough of the vital substances the body needs to function properly and help fight any viruses that it may be exposed to. Remember that dietary supplements should not replace a healthy diet and lifestyle, they should complement each other.

You’ve probably been reminded to get your eyes checked every two years, but have you ever asked yourself why this is so important? Most of the time, people decide to visit an eye doctor when they notice a difference in their vision, and sometimes, it may be too late. Routine eye exams help doctors identify any existing eye problems, and additionally, your eye doctor can identify any signs of eye problems that develop without any obvious symptoms and can affect not only your vision but your overall health. Read more to learn the importance of getting your eyes checked on a regular basis. Avoid Vision Loss and Keep Eyes Healthy It may seem obvious, but eye exams are key to keeping your eyes healthy and avoiding complete vision loss. As we age our eyes start to weaken, our vision begins to change in subtle ways, and the risk of developing serious eye diseases increases. This is why it is so important to get your eyes checked regularly. Additionally, our eyes are exposed to elements that can affect our vision such as pollution, UV rays, and blue light on a daily basis. During your routine eye exam, your doctor can suggest specific ways to help you protect your eyes and keep them healthy.  Detect Other Diseases There are several diseases that can lead to complete vision loss without obvious symptoms - many of which can only be detected by an eye doctor. These diseases include but are not limited to the following: Glaucoma - According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma can lead to blindness if it is not treated appropriately. Unfortunately, glaucoma is not curable, but when detected early and with the right treatment, it is possible to stop further loss of vision. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) - AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 60. AMD is an eye disease that causes the breakdown of the macula, which is the part of the eye that is responsible for central vision. Many people don’t know they have AMD until they notice a change in their vision and see their eye doctor. This is why regular eye exams by an eye doctor can help to detect the early stages of macular degeneration before you are aware of them. Although there is no cure for dry macular degeneration, there are supplements, such as Focus Select®,  that help slow down the progression of AMD in people with moderate levels of disease by 25%. Diabetes - Did you know that 34.2 million Americans have diabetes? Sometimes, people don’t realize they have diabetes because they are not showing any symptoms. This is when regular eye exams come into play. During an eye exam, the doctor takes a close look at the blood vessels in the eye. If they notice any damage in the blood vessels of the retina, they might diagnose diabetic retinopathy. If this is the case, the patient should speak with their primary doctor right away.  Glaucoma, AMD, and diabetes are just 3 of the diseases that can be detected by an eye exam. Other diseases are high blood pressure, cancer, thyroid disease, lupus, and more. Remember, early detection is key to prevention. Improve Your Quality of Life Nowadays, most of our daily tasks involve screens. Whether it’s smartphones, television, tablets, or computers, every day we interact with at least one of these. As a matter of fact, the average American spends around 17 hours of their day looking at digital devices. It is important to understand that extended periods of time spent in front of digital devices have a negative effect on the eyes. The blue light emitted from digital devices can lead to dry eyes and computer vision syndrome, which in turn cause dry and irritated eyes. If you believe you are spending too much time in front of a computer, phone or TV, make sure to communicate that to your doctor during your eye exam. They may suggest blue light blocking glasses or supplements that contain ingredients that help protect your eyes, such as Focus Blue Light.   

Focus Blue Light formula promotes healthy eye function by increasing macular pigment in the eye, and improves contrast sensitivity and glare to help the eyes quickly recover after use. It contains 20 mg of lutein and 4 mg of zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids that help protect vision. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late, schedule your eye exam today if you haven’t done so already. If you need help finding an eye doctor in your area, check out our Find a Doctor Tool! Even if you believe you have good eye health, you can avoid vision loss, detect other diseases, and improve your quality of life. Eye exams are as important as your annual checkup with your primary doctor!

Dry eye is one of the most common eye conditions in the United States as it affects millions of Americans every year. Dry eyes occur when tears are not able to provide adequate lubrication for the eyes. This can happen if your glands don’t make enough tears or if your tears dry up too fast.  If left untreated, dry eyes can turn into a chronic condition that causes ongoing discomfort and vision problems.  1. What are the risk factors of dry eyes? Age - People who are over the age of 50 have a higher risk of developing dry eyes, and the risk increases as they get older. This is because the eyes produce fewer tears overall as part of the aging process.  Medications - Certain medicines including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can reduce tear production. Gender - Women have an increased risk of dry eyes due to pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal changes. Taking oral birth control pills can also raise the risk of having dry eye conditions. Windy/Dry Climates - Exposure to windy conditions regularly, especially in a dry environment, can cause tears to evaporate quickly. Diet - Eating a diet that is low in vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with a higher risk of having dry eyes. Contact Lenses and Surgery - Wearing contact lenses for long periods of time has been associated with an increased chance of having dry eye symptoms.  Refractive eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can decrease tear production and contribute to dry eyes. 2. What are the signs and symptoms of dry eyes? The most common symptoms of dye eyes include the following: A feeling that there is grit in the eyesStinging sensationBurning sensationRed eyesLight sensitivityDiscomfort while wearing contactsTrouble driving at nightMucus around the eyes or in the eyesBlurry visionExcessive wateriness in the eyesEye fatigue3. How can dry eyes be treated? Dry eye symptoms can be caused by a combination of problems, but luckily, they can also be treated with more than one therapy. First, if you’re experiencing any of the dry eye symptoms listed above, see your doctor. Your eye doctor can help you determine the underlying cause of your dry eyes and therefore recommend the best treatment. In most cases, they will begin treatment right away to improve comfort.  Below are some of the most common dry eye treatments: Eye Drops - This is the most common treatment for mild dry eye. Over-the-counter artificial tears can be applied as needed less than 4 times per day, but if your eyes are still bothering you, you may need prescription eye drops that can stimulate tear production.Omega-3 Supplements - Nutritional supplements, such as Focus Relief Plus®, have been the focus of studies on dry eye symptoms and other eye and vision problems. Focus Relief Plus® provides nutrients to help those with mild dry eye symptoms.Tear Duct Plugs -  Punctual plugs are small devices that are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage in order to increase moisture to help relieve dry eyes. Eyelid Cleansers - Studies show that clean eyelids can help alleviate the symptoms of eye conditions such as blepharitis and dry eyes. Below are two of the most popular types of cleansers to consider:Eyelid Scrubs - Eyelid scrubs are gentle cleansers that soothe inflamed eyelids and can provide relief from dry eye symptoms. Eyelid scrubs that contain tea tree oil, like Focus Eyelid Scrub Formula, can even help kill mites that live in the eyelashes and can cause eye diseases such as Blepharitis. Hypochlorous Acid - Hypochlorous acid occurs naturally in the body. While the chemical neutralizes pathogens, it’s mild enough not to harm the body, unlike most disinfectants. As mentioned before, omega-3 fatty acids are known to play an essential role in the production of healthy tears and are often recommended as part of a treatment plan for occasional dry eye. Focus Relief Plus® provides 1620mg of re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) Omega-3 fatty acids per day with over 90% EPA and DHA, a higher concentration than other leading supplements.

Good nutrition is an imperative part of eye health. One of the most important nutrients is a carotenoid called zeaxanthin. Carotenoids are the molecules that give plants their colors, such as yellow, orange, and red. Zeaxanthin, in particular, gives a yellow color to plant-based foods such as corn, saffron, paprika, and more. There are around 700 carotenoids found in nature, but only zeaxanthin and lutein (another nutrient that helps protect vision) are deposited in high quantities in the eyes. As we age, those nutrients stop replenishing themselves, which is where a good diet comes into play. Read on to learn about the role zeaxanthin plays when it comes to eye health. Protects the Eyes from Blue Light When people think of blue light, usually what comes to mind are computers, tablets, or cellphones, but the truth is that blue light is everywhere. It can not only come from digital devices, but also from the sun and certain kinds of indoor lighting. Visible light contains a range of wavelengths and energy, and blue light is the one that contains the highest energy, which is why it is the most harmful to the eyes. Zeaxanthin, along with lutein, acts as a “natural sunblock” for the eyes by absorbing excess light energy.  A study from the University of Georgia concluded that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin increased macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and, in turn, improved people’s headache frequency, eye fatigue, and other visual performance issues often associated with excessive digital screen time. Focus Blue Light formula, which contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, is a natural filter of high-energy blue light. Our formula promotes healthy eye function by increasing macular pigment in the eye and improves contrast sensitivity and glare to help the eyes quickly recover after use. 

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Protects the Skin Not only can blue light exposure affect the eyes, but did you know that blue light can also negatively affect the skin? Blue light exposure leads to changes in skin cells, including shrinkage and even death of said cells, which in turn speeds up the aging process and may also cause hyperpigmentation of the skin.  Aside from blue light, our skin is constantly getting exposed to elements, such as polluted air and chemicals in the environment, that can lead to skin damage. Because zeaxanthin is an antioxidant, it helps fight off damage from these elements by accumulating in the dermis and protecting the skin. Reduces the Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the United States and it affects more than 10 million Americans. Currently, there is no cure, but there are ways to prevent it and slow its progression. In fact, there have been many studies conducted that show the benefits of zeaxanthin and lutein can have when it comes to AMD. One of these studies, and perhaps the most known, is the AREDS2 study published in 2013. This study revealed that participants whose diets contained the lowest amounts of foods containing natural lutein and zeaxanthin experienced the greatest AMD risk reduction from taking the daily nutritional supplement. The table below shows foods that contain both zeaxanthin and lutein and should be included in people’s diet, whether or not they have been diagnosed with macular degeneration. 

Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313592356_Lutein_and_Zeaxanthin-Food_Sources_Bioavailability_and_Dietary_Variety_in_Age-Related_Macular_Degeneration_Protection For people who have not been diagnosed with AMD, these foods are a great way to decrease the risk. For those who have been diagnosed, eating these foods can help slow down its progression, especially when paired with AREDS2 vitamins, such as Focus Select®.