Future Vision With OcuForce™ and OcuBlue™
Fred Cheng (R.Ph.) and Christine Cheng (R.Ph.)
We tell our kids to reduce their device screen-time in hopes that they can hone their social skills and enjoy all the benefits of playing with other kids, but did you know that you are also helping them prevent irreversible damage to their eyes? Eye health deteriorates dramatically after we turn 40, with estimates of up to 1 in 3 people having some form of eye disease, but much of the damage began in our younger years. However, it is not too late to do something about it.
Light can damage our eyes, but not all light is equal. There is much concern about “blue light” (vs. “infra-red light”, for example), which is found in sunrays, flourescent lights, LED’s, and device screens; it is especially damaging to the eye’s structure and chemical constituents. In the daytime, we wear sunglasses to block the glare, but few of us wear any kind of protection when indoors. Blue light can also disrupt the balance of Melanopsin, a pigment that regulates our circadian rhythm, leading to disrupted sleep cycles, resulting in unrestful sleep and daytime fatigue. Blue light is associated with “digital eyestrain syndrome”, which involves blurry vision, difficulty focusing, dry and irritated eyes, and even headaches and neck strain. There is indication that blue light can increase reactive chemicals in the eye to an extent which leads to damage in the retina, even leading to macular degeneration and cataracts. It is also theorized that blue light can be associated with an increased incidence of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, and certain types of cancers due to its effect on the body’s pigments, hormones, and the brain (eg. from disrupted circadian rhythm).
We have written about the fantastic lines of omega fatty acid supplements by METAGENICS and NUTRASEA in the past, which is recommended to help minimize damage to the eye and maintain eye health. This time, we want to introduce you to a new duo by PRARIE NATURALS, OcuBlue ™ and OcuForce ™, both of which contain additional important minerals and nutrients crucial for optimizing eye health.
OcuForce ™, taken twice daily, is a great all-round eye-support formula of lutein, astaxanthin, benfotiamine (form of Vitamin B1), beta-carotene, Vitamin E mixed tocopherals, zinc, copper, selenium, taurine, all of which work together to filter blue light, maintain eye lipids (“good fats”) and fluidity, support the pigments in your eyes, counteract oxidative entities, regenerate retinal tissue (especially rod and cone cells), maintain visual acuity, and support macular and retinal health. It also contains a unique dark-berry blend and black current fruit extract to help minimize oxidative damage in the eye.
OcuBlue ™ was designed as a companion to OcuForce ™ with 10mg lutein per capsule (vs. 5mg in OcuForce ™), 2mg zeaxanthin, and 4mg astaxanthin (vs. 1mg), thereby enhancing the benefits of OcuForce ™. OcuBlue ™ is only taken once daily.
Therefor, take your own advice; reduce screen time and speak with one of our integrative pharmacists at Pharmasave Steveston Village and Cloverdale Pharmasave about the appropriate supplements required to maintain your vision well into the future.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston Village, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available In-Store.
***All information posted and shared by Cloverdale Pharmasave is offered to provide information and choices regarding nutritional support for various health concerns, none of which is intended to be a treatment protocol for any disease state. The information does not replace seeking professional advice from your physician. Consult your health care practitioner before taking dietary supplements.
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