Posts tagged with Eye Health

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 groundbreaking Age-Related Eye Disease Studies 1 and 2 (AREDS and AREDS2) revealed the potential of nutritional supplements in reducing the risk of AMD progression. The AREDS2 formula, which substitutes beta-carotene with lutein and zeaxanthin, has become the gold standard in AMD management. However, recent research has raised concerns about the quality and compliance of many supplements bearing the "AREDS" or "AREDS2" labels. A study published in Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology investigated the composition of supplements labeled as "AREDS" or "AREDS2" available in the online marketplace. Shockingly, the results unveiled a significant number of these products to be non-compliant with the AREDS2 clinical trials formula, which could pose risks to consumers relying on these supplements for their eye health.

Key Findings Out of the surveyed products, a staggering 30.8% did not adhere to the AREDS2 formula. The deviations from the recommended formula varied, with 14.2% missing at least one ingredient, 13.3% containing less of at least one ingredient, 17.5% containing more of at least one ingredient, and 15.8% including at least one extra ingredient not part of the AREDS formula. Surprisingly, a small fraction (5.8%) even adhered to the outdated AREDS1 formula, despite AREDS2 being the preferred and recommended choice. The Implications of Non-Compliance The misbranding of supplements is a matter of concern and may violate federal law, as per the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. Consumers unknowingly ingesting non-compliant products might not receive the desired benefits, potentially jeopardizing their eye health and leading to inaccurate dosing. It is essential for clinicians and patients alike to be cautious when selecting supplements and to choose only those adhering to the verified AREDS2 formula. Ensuring Quality and Reliability To safeguard their eye health, individuals must be vigilant when choosing AREDS2 supplements. Look for reputable brands that are transparent about their ingredients and dosages, and avoid products that use misleading terms such as "AREDS2-based" without adhering to the official formula. To assist consumers in making informed decisions, the study highlights some AREDS2-adherent brands, including:

Focus Select AREDS2 Based Formula Eye Vitamin & Mineral SupplementBausch + Lomb PreserVision® AREDS2 FormulaOJOSLABS Maculabs® AREDS2 Based FormulaVITEYES AREDS 2 Based Formula Macular SupportNature Made Vision with AREDS 2 FormulaSystane I-Caps® Eye Vitamin & Mineral Supplement AREDS2Visual Advantage Macular SupportTo read the original article, click here.

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!

This blog post features a story from NPR Morning Edition's Susan Stamberg. Every few weeks, the Smithsonian's American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. helps blind and low-vision visitors experience art with multiple senses. Participants on the tour include a range of limited vision abilities, from those born partially or totally blind to those that experienced their vision loss later in life. The specially trained docents use carefully crafted language and sensory memories to engage the multiple senses of the visually impaired visitors. Some works of art are able to be touched by the visitors when using special gloves. "The visitors move slowly through the museum, some "seeing" in their imaginations, others, with low vision, getting really close to the artwork to see it better with magnifying devices. The docents take questions about the art and the artists. Visitor Kilof Legge listens intently. He's taken lots of these tours. He has had macular degeneration since childhood and has deeply missed art. "For the longest time I really felt angry when I came into a museum," he says. "And hurt and insulted, almost. Because these are public places and I felt I was denied access." He says he is "grateful and excited" to have the art world opened back up to him through tours like these." The blog Eye Level gives a deeper look into these specialized tours. You can learn more about the perspective of the docents as well as the visually impaired visitors here: Art Museum Tours For Visitors Who Are Blind.  

As the air becomes dry and the presence of pumpkin flavored everything draws near, you may find your eyes become more dry or sensitive. Fall brings a change in weather and pollen count, both of which can affect your body's ability to create its own tears. If your dry eyes are a result of seasonal allergies, there are some tips we covered in the Spring that still ring true for the Fall. One of the biggest ways to reduce the impact of seasonal allergies is to try to eliminate or avoid the allergens themselves. An allergist can perform a skin or blood test to identify exactly what it is that you're allergic to. Pollen: When pollen counts are high, try to eliminate the amount of time spent outdoors. If you are outside, trying wearing sunglasses to prevent pollen from getting into your eyes. If you're inside, keep the windows closed and use air conditioning; a window fan will pull the pollen inside.Mold: Falling leaves that sit on the ground for too long can cause mold to grow. Mold can also grow in your home as your HVAC unit tries to find a new equilibrium for the changing weather. The humidity level in your home should be kept around 30 to 50 percent.Dust: Using special allergen-reducing bedding, washing your bedding frequently, and using a damp mop or rag to clean your floors are all ways to limit your exposure to dust mites.Pets: If you own a pet but have allergies to it, consider hardwood or tile floors rather than carpeting to reduce pet dander. Always wash your hands after touching a pet, especially before your hands come into contact with your eyes.If you are doing all of the above and are still experiencing dry or irritated eyes, you should consult with your doctor to see if you may benefit from a dry eye supplement like Focus Relief Plus. Your doctor will help determine what treatment is best for you.

There are many ways to consume the best vitamins and nutrients for your eye health. You can receive these benefits through food, drinks, and vision supplements. This week we're exploring how to drink you way to better eye health! Many of these suggestions are similar to the Best Fruits and Best Vegetables that we explored in weeks past. Some drink suggestions are accompanied by a link from The Daily Meal to a recipe so you can drink your way to better vision! Carrot Beet Apple Juice - http://www.thedailymeal.com/recipes/carrot-beet-apple-juice-recipeSpinach Kale Broccoli Smoothie - http://www.thedailymeal.com/recipes/spinach-kale-broccoli-juice-recipeBerry Smoothie - http://www.thedailymeal.com/drink/9-drinks-will-improve-your-eye-sight/slide-4Orange JuiceTomato JuiceCoconut WaterAnother great way to consume the recommended vitamins and nutrients for your vision health is to take a daily vision supplement. Focus Select is a supplement that contains the nutrients that are important for your vision health.

Updated 12/05/2023 The AREDS 2 study conducted by the National Eye Institute shows that increased levels of lutein and zeaxanthin help improve eye health. The study also notes that Vitamins C and E show benefits for your eye health. You can receive these nutrients by eating the following fruits: Blueberries - Lutein and ZeaxanthinGrapes - Lutein and ZeaxanthinKiwi fruits - Lutein and ZeaxanthinRaspberries - Lutein and ZeaxanthinOlives - Vitamin EAvocados - Vitamin ECitrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons, etc) - Vitamin CFor more fruits with high levels of Vitamin C, visit Fruits and Veggies: More Matters. Another great way to get all of these important nutrients as well as zinc, and copper is to take a vision supplement. Focus Select provides essential vitamins and minerals to support macular health.

According to the National Eye Institute, eating a diet containing high levels of omega-3 fatty acids can help improve your eye health. Here on the Focus Vision Supplement blog, we have delicious recipes that are tailored for your eye health needs. This week we're featuring our favorite recipes that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. We hope you love these as much as we do! Healthy Vision Recipe: Seared Tuna w/Orange, Avocado & Cilantro Salsa Healthy Vision Recipe: Smoked Salmon Pizza with Dill & Lemon Healthy Vision Recipe: Salmon and Horseradish Marinated Vegetable Summer Roll Healthy Vision Recipe: Grilled Tuna with Pineapple-Orange Salsa

Updated July 2022 You've likely heard that carrots are a great source of beta carotene, but did you know that there are other eye nutrients that will help improve your vision health? Green vegetables are an excellent source of lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C that can help boost your vision health. Darker shades of green, leafy vegetables will typically have more nutrients than lighter shades of green. Vegetables with higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin include the following:   broccoli brussels sproutscelery collardsgreen beanskale leaf lettucepeasspinachIf you are one of the many people who find it hard to eat green vegetables, there are other veggies that have high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamin C. These include: carrotschili pepperscornleekssquashsweet pepperssweet potatoestomatoesyams Including these vegetables in your diet can help you get the important nutrients your body needs, but sometimes a busy lifestyle makes it hard to keep up with food and nutrition. A multivitamin blend supplement can be added to your daily routine to help assure you are getting the nutrients you need to support immunity and an overall healthy lifestyle. Focus Multivitamin Gummies can help boost energy levels, support skin and heart health, and maintain or improve overall health.

Before we learn more about Focus Vision Supplements, let's first get to know Covalent Medical, LLC. Covalent Medical was started by a group of over 400 retina specialists from across the United States. These physicians come from some of the most prestigious retina centers in the country. They are members of the American Society of Retina Specialists, the Retina Society, and other highly regarded retina specialist organizations. As macular degeneration (AMD) experts, they treat hundreds of thousands of patients annually, have participated in important research studies of new treatments for macular degeneration, and have collectively written many scientific papers on macular degeneration. Covalent Medical was started by these leading physicians to offer a trusted, physician-recommended, high-quality supplement for their patients. Now Focus Vision Supplements and their great products are available to the general public.

Our vision is to define and be recognized as the standard for protecting your precious gift of ocular health. Our mission is to provide quality vision supplement products to our customers and consumers, by utilizing our powerful physician network, our outstanding product value, and our world-class customer service.

One of the best parts of our job is getting to know our customers and their stories. Now is your chance to get to know us! Last week we met our Chief Operations Officer, Clint Worley. This week we are featuring our newest addition to the team: Laura Mills, our Account Manager.

What was your experience with eye health before starting with Focus Vitamins? I have no previous professional experience in eye health, but I have a great deal of personal experience. My maternal and paternal family lines all have poor vision and eye health issues. We all began wearing corrective lenses at a young age and my grandparents had cataract and other eye issues as they grew older.  Knowing I have a strong disposition for eye health issues, I am doing what I can now to preserve and protect my vision as best I can.  I underwent Lasik corrective eye surgery when I was 27 years old and it was one of the best investments I have ever made. I am very thankful to be working with Focus Vitamins so I can learn even more about the best nutrition to preserve my vision.  What was your first job?  When I was 14, my friends and I had early work permits so we could work for a costume store in our area. Our job was to dress up in a ridiculous costume and hold a sign on the side of a major road. We made minimum wage and got to dress up in fun costumes – what more could a teenager ask for?  What city/state do you call home? I was born, raised, and still live in Manassas, Virginia. I’m a 4th generation Virginian with strong ties to the Piedmont and Appalachian areas, but my heart will always be in Manassas. A close second would be the great state of Texas where I attended the University of North Texas.   Do you prefer your vacation to be at the beach, in the mountains, or in a city? I love traveling to cities. My idea of relaxation is to go to museums, explore historic places, and see live performances. New York City is my go-to destination.  What is your favorite quote? “My hope still is to leave the world a bit better than when I got here.” – Jim Henson “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” – Fred Rogers What is your ideal Saturday? My ideal Saturday would be sleeping in, going to the Farmer’s Market, then coming home and grilling on the deck while my daughters run around the backyard.  What person, alive or deceased, would you most want to have dinner with?  Jim Henson is a man that demonstrated incredible innovation and attention to detail, all while being a humble leader. I’ve been a life-long fan of the Muppets and all of his creations. He died when I was only 5 years old but he will forever be a major influence in my life.

Let's raise a glass to eye health!

Alcohol in moderation is generally advised to maintain good eye and overall health. But over-consumption of alcohol can lead to a toxic, progressive optic neuropathy (optic atrophy) which can cause visual impairment and damage to the optic nerve cells. This damage leaves colours appearing washed in the affected eye, or in severe cases, even vision loss. It is advised that men drink no more than 21 units of alcohol per week and no more than 4 units in one day. For women, the recommended alcohol intake is no more than 14 units per week and 3 units in one day. You can enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with one of our delicious healthy eye recipes. 

If you start noticing changes in your vision, see your eye doctor immediately. Some trouble signs to look for are double vision, hazy vision and difficulty seeing in low light conditions. Other signs and symptoms of potentially serious eye problems that warrant immediate attention include red eyes, frequent flashes of light, floaters, and eye pain and swelling.

Good news for coffee and tea drinkers!  Two servings of a caffeinated beverage daily are good for protecting against dry eyes. The caffeine helps the human body produce tears, which keep the eyes moist. However, keep in mind that more than two servings can deplete your tear film and dry out your eyes, which can contribute to irritation.

Dry eye can be a hassle, especially while trying to enjoy a vacation with family. There are some ways to minimize the irritation and other ways to avoid irritants.According to Dr. Pamela Lowe, OD, FAA, “Airplane air quality tends to be drier and more irritating to the eye, especially if you’re a contact lens wearer.” Keeping a bottle of rewetting or lubricating drops will help give instant relief. It's also a good idea to remove contact lenses during airplane travel so your eyes won't be irritated. When you reach your destination, be sure to also remove your contact lenses before entering a public pool or hot tub. The chemicals used to clean the water can be irritating to sensitive eyes. There may also be lingering bacteria from other guests. And don't forget your protective eyewear! Whether your destination is on the beach or in the snowy mountains, our eyes need protection from the sun's UV rays. Wearing glasses is especially important for contact lens wearers.

Updated 06/07/2023 Have your eyes been red, watery, and feeling gritty? These are some of the most common symptoms of dry eye. Dry eye can be aggravated by staring at digital screens for long periods of time, certain medications, or even from your location. While artificial tears can add some moisture to your eyes, it's only temporary. Take advantage of these tips to help keep your eyes more moist for a longer period of time: 1. Blink OftenTears are made up of many elements; one being oil. When people blink, they wipe that protective layer of oil over the surface of their eye, which helps to keep the eyes moist. If someone is spending a lot of time staring at a screen or reading a book, their blinking is going to slow down. Remind yourself to follow the 20-20-20 rule:  every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, look at an object at least 20 feet away. This will keep your blinking at an ideal rate and help keep your eyes moist. 2. Add Fatty Acids to Your DietEating foods rich in fatty acids can help replenish the oils in your eyes. Foods such as walnuts and fish should be incorporated into your diet. As an alternative, you can also take an Omega-3 supplement, such as Focus Relief Plus. 3. Use a HumidifierHot, dry air indoors can deplete the moisture in your eyes. Whether you're at home or work, use a humidifier to help circulate the local moisture. 4. Avoid the WindAccording to the American Optometric Association, wind causes moisture to evaporate from the surface of the eye much faster than it should. If you have dry eyes, you should avoid gusty conditions and devices that blow air, such as hair dryers & fans. If you have to be outside in windy conditions, wearing eyewear can help block the breeze.