This formula is used commonly for two purposes: 1) Provide an array of highly potent phytonutrients given in therapeutic dosages to support the protection, and 2) Healing tissue ravaged by disease.
Essential Protect is also considered by many to be the most potent formula available to nutritionally support eye health. The research-proven phytonutrients--along with many others--make this formula extremely effective and popular for the nutritional support of eye health.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, over 24.4 million Americans have cataracts, 2.7 million have glaucoma, over 34 million have myopia, and 7.7 million have diabetic retinopathy (The number of people in the United States with diabetes is increasing. More than 29 million Americans have diabetes. Diabetes affects 12.3% of adults age 20 and older).
Easily 150 million Americans spend over $15 billion annually on corrective eyewear, and close to a million undergo surgery to correct vision every year. America has an eye health problem. The main culprit? Technology.
Technology and Your Eyes
We mere mortals have come to find ourselves in front of computers, televisions, and smartphones almost every waking moment of our lives. Easily 50% of people who work at a computer all day struggle with eye strain with symptoms including:
- Blurry vision
- Dry, itchy, or red eyes
- Double vision
- Headaches
Unlike other types of light, the eye’s cornea and lens cannot block or reflect blue light. Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, with about 200,000 cases reported per year cannot be cured, although it can be treated with glasses, medications or laser surgery.
Excessive time in front of screens can lead to:
- Loss of focus flexibility
- Nearsightedness
- Eye fatigue
- Retinal damage
- Sleep troubles (due to blue light)
- Use those blue light filters, reduce glare, and remember to give your eyes a break.
The Best Nutrients for Healthy EyesYour eyes are very complex organs that need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy and function properly.
Zeaxanthin and Lutein - Available evidence demonstrates that lutein and zeaxanthin are widely distributed in a number of body tissues and are uniquely concentrated in the retina and lens, indicating that each has a possible specific function in these two vital ocular tissues.
Most epidemiological studies and clinical trials support the notion that lutein and zeaxanthin have a potential role in the prevention and treatment of certain eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract and retinitis pigmentosa. The biological mechanisms for the protective effects of these carotenoids may include powerful blue light filtering activities and antioxidant properties.
Vitamin E - Many eye conditions are believed to be associated with oxidative stress. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect your eye cells from damage by free radicals.
One seven-year study in 3,640 people with AMD showed that taking 400 IU of vitamin E and several other nutrients in a daily supplement called AREDS reduced the risk of progressing to advanced stages by 25%. In addition, some studies suggest that diets high in vitamin E may help prevent age-related cataracts.
Turmeric - In the last 50 years, in vitro and in vivo experiments supported the main role of polyphenols and curcumin for the prevention and treatment of many different inflammatory diseases and tumors. Curcumin, from the plant turmeric, inhibits all known markers of inflammation, including those connected with eye diseases.
Green tea extract EGCG - EGCG, from green tea, hits all known markers of oxidative stress. Researchers say the compounds responsible for many of the health benefits of green tea are capable of penetrating the tissues of the eyes and have antioxidant activity there.
Researchers say catechins are among a number of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin, thought to help protect the delicate tissues of the eye from glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Sulforaphane glucosinolate - RPE cells have been shown to play a crucial role in defenses against photoreceptor damage by absorbing and filtering light, scavenging free radicals, and removing lipids, proteins, and DNA damaged by photo oxidation. Sulforaphane has been shown to aid RPE cells in neutralizing toxins, reducing inflammation, and slowing tumor growth.
Lycopene - Lycopene is packed full of carotenoids, which help prevent light-induced damage to areas of the eye like the retina. It is used to treat cataracts and is used by the body as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
