(NaturalHealth365) It is estimated that over 40 million adults now suffer some form of eye health issue, often related to our digital devices. As we get older, eye strain actually weakens our vision and can make them much more sensitive to light. As we age, macular degeneration also becomes a more significant issue. This has many seeking out natural eye health tips and shopping for natural supplements for vision protection.

Just keep in mind, there are some issues of which users of eye health supplements should be aware.  For example, vision supplements that contain generic ingredients are unregulated and may not contain sufficient potency.

Even more disturbing: an Attorney General of New York investigation discovered as much as 80% of supplements didn’t even have the reported ingredients listed on the label.  The best way to ensure effectiveness is to make sure the supplement contains clinically studied ingredients.  In addition, the ingredients (listed) should be tested by a third party for potency and quality.

Bottom line, you just need to be sure that you’re taking the right kind of nutrients … let’s take a closer look.

Do you have eye health or digital eye strain symptoms?

If you have itchy or burning eyes, experience watery or dry eyes, blurred or double vision or even headaches, it could be due to digital eye strain or other vision issues. What ingredients should your supplements contain to be most effective?

First of all, let’s review why your eyes need carotenoids.

Carotenoids are pigments in fruits and vegetables that help give them their red, yellow and orange colors.  These pigments help plants absorb light energy for use in photosynthesis and they provide photo protection.

People who eat foods containing carotenoids tend to get better protection for their eyes.  The issue is that many of us don’t eat enough of these colorful fruits and vegetables in sufficient quantities to be beneficial enough. They are, however, available in eye health supplements.

Check for these key carotenoids

• Lycopene – This carotenoid protects eye cells from damage from free radicals and is critical for eye health. While it won’t reverse eye damage it can prevent further damage to vision.
• Astaxanthin – This has been clinically shown to improve blood flow to the eyes, improving the eye’s ability to focus on closeup items. This is a particularly important carotenoid as we age.
• Lutein and Trans and Meso-Zeaxanthin – These are forms of carotenoids that deposit right onto the macula. They provide superior protection to vision cells frequently damaged by the negative effects of “blue light”.

Does your eye health supplement have these critical nutrients and vitamins?

Those looking for how to improve eye health through supplements should make sure they contain vitamin E and mixed carotenes. Mixed carotenes are the foundation of vitamin A, protecting eyes from bright light such as the sun.

Simply put, vitamin E serves as a conduit for the carotenoids to be delivered to the eyes. Both are critical for a supplement to be effective.  And, as always, continue to follow NaturalHealth365 – which offers powerful health solutions for a variety of issues that affect people daily, including how to improve eye health and overall wellbeing.

Sources for this article include:

Livescience.com
Mayoclinic.org