Light is wonderful, but it can also take its toll on our eyes, especially when it comes to the unavoidable blue light screens emit. Whether it’s the sun or the glow of our digital devices, all the light we take in every day can leave our eyes feeling fatigued and strained during the day. Over time, too much exposure can wear them down. Did you know that we spend about half our day looking at screens. And that’s not just TV screens. For most of us, work now involves daily, almost nonstop interactions on some kind of device – the computer,  our phones, and car navigation systems. Even restaurant menus are going digital. And now that we are in the middle of summer it often means more time in the sun. While most of us remember to protect our skin by applying sunblock, we often overlook that our eyes need protection as well. It is important to start wearing proper eye protection at an early age to shield your eyes from years of ultraviolet exposure.

 Here are some tips to protect your eyes from UV damage, no matter what the season:

• Protect children and senior citizens with hats and sunglasses. Everyone is at risk for sun damage.
• Wear a hat along with your sunglasses. Broad-brimmed hats are best.
• Sunlight is strongest midday to early afternoon, at higher altitudes and when reflected off of water, ice or snow.
• Know that clouds don’t block UV light. The sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds.
• Never look directly at the sun. Doing so at any time, including during an eclipse, can damage the eye’s retina and cause a serious injury known as solar retinopathy. 
• Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds pose the same risks to your eyes and body as outdoor UV light.

By following these simple guidelines, you and your family can enjoy the sun safely all year long. Healthy exposure to sunlight can have positive effects, as long as you protect your eyes from UV damage. Just don’t forget those hats and sunglasses!

Now, let’s take a look at the brighter side of eye health. It’s easy to focus on our heart health, muscle health, and even brain health. It’s also easy to lose sight of our eye health, but our eyes are how we focus and perceive the world. They’re the gateway to our memories. Our eye health doesn’t just support our vision either, it also supports our brain and sleep patterns. For that, we need the right vitamins and key nutrition. IC Bright™ protects eyes against blue light from our devices. It combines macular carotenoids with vitamins and key ingredients that effectively support eye and brain health. It also helps reduce eye fatigue and strain, supports cognitive functions, and may help support normal sleep patterns. The result: our eyes feel fresh, so we can focus on what matters.

IC Bright™ was created with a unique formulation of ingredients shown to support eye health. Vitamins C, D, and E, plus zinc and copper along with bilberry extract provide broad benefits for our eyes. And the three primary ingredients in the formula contribute in their own unique ways:

Lutein – Lutein is often called “the eye vitamin.” It’s a carotenoid that acts as an antioxidant that filters harmful blue wavelengths of light to protect the cells in your eyes. Even though we’re born with a certain amount of lutein in our eyes, our bodies don’t naturally produce it. That’s why it’s important to supplement our diets with lutein daily.

Zeaxanthin – Zeaxanthin is an eye vitamin that’s drawn to the eyes once it’s inside your body. Specifically, it heads straight for the center spot of the retina where it builds a yellow-colored pigment that shields eye cells from light sources.

Omega-3 – Omega-3 is a type of fatty acid. Specifically, it’s an essential fatty acid. And essential fatty acids get their name because your body can’t produce them on its own––but we all need them. Omega-3s support overall eye health, so it’s critical to make them a part of your everyday diet.

Whether we’re spending time outdoors in the sun, working in front of a computer, or just wanting to maintain eye health as we age, IC Bright™ supports our eyes with targeted protection and nourishment. And because our eyes are connected to your brain, IC Bright™ also supports cognitive health and better sleep patterns.

*This article is written for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

For additional guidance on your wellness journey contact Alaka’i Associates for a free 30 minute consultation.