Daily use of consumer electronics has become a norm for modern people, and many people carry lutein supplements at work, hoping to alleviate eye strain. However, nutritionist Zhang Tongfen points out that for optimal eye protection, supplementing with astaxanthin and black currant anthocyanins is more ideal than lutein alone.
When it comes to eye protection nutritional supplements, most people will think of lutein first. In fact, the main function of lutein is to prevent blue light from damaging the macula and reduce the risk of macular degeneration.Relieve eye fatigue, lutein cannot produce a quick effect; what can really effectively improve fatigue are astaxanthin and black currant.
Zhang Tongfen explained that astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant ingredient that not only protects the macula lutea 5 to 10 times better than lutein, but more importantly, it canSoothes the ciliary muscles of the eyesIt reduces fatigue, helps relax muscles, and has anti-inflammatory properties. "Research from Fujita Health University in Japan further confirms that a daily intake of 4 mg of astaxanthin can effectively alleviate eye discomfort accumulated from long-term 3C use. However, unlike lutein, which accumulates in the eye, astaxanthin requires regular daily supplementation to maintain its effectiveness." Furthermore, while astaxanthin is most commonly extracted from shrimp, seaweed is also a significant source. Vegetarians can avoid consuming astaxanthin from animal sources by simply paying attention to the raw material sources listed on product labels.
As for blackcurrants, a nutritious berry rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C, they possess excellent antioxidant properties. Besides slowing lens degeneration, blackcurrants, like astaxanthin, can quickly relieve eye fatigue and promote blood circulation. Their eye-protecting power is approximately five times that of lutein. Zhang Tongfen recommends liquid blackcurrant supplements for immediate replenishment, as they offer higher absorption efficiency.
With the arrival of summer vacation, the use of 3C products has entered its peak period. Some mobile phone software has launched a "black screen mode" claiming that it can be used at night.protect eyesHowever, Chen Yingshan, director of the Department of Specialties at the China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, warned that low screen brightness can cause color distortion and hue deviation, which in turn increases the burden on the eyes and further causes fatigue. He suggested that in summer, you can improve your brightness through three steps:Prevent vision deterioration, protect eye health.
The first step is to get enough rest. Chen Yingshan recommends that elementary school students limit their daily use of consumer electronics to no more than 20 minutes; junior high school students should limit their use to one hour, with a 10-minute break every 20 minutes; high school students can extend this to 10 minutes every 30 minutes; and in college, before presbyopia sets in, the recommended rest period can be adjusted to 10 minutes every 40 minutes. Once presbyopia symptoms appear, a 10-minute break every 30 minutes should be resumed to avoid excessive eye strain.
The second step is to protect your eyes from the sun. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight are extremely harmful to the eyes. When outdoors, wear photochromic lenses or sunglasses to reduce direct UV exposure. Chen Yingshan emphasized that the blue light in sunlight is thousands of times more intense than that in cell phones. Just 15 minutes of sun exposure can cause eye stimulation equivalent to the cumulative effect of using a cell phone all day. This demonstrates the importance of sun protection when outdoors.
The third step is balanced nutrition. Consuming an egg daily and plenty of dark green vegetables can provide ample lutein, while eating more seaweed can provide astaxanthin. When purchasing nutritional supplements, pay attention to the active ingredient content: the recommended daily intake for lutein is 10 mg, and for astaxanthin, 4 mg. Adequate intake is essential for optimal eye protection.