Vision health: Expert insights on combating digital eye strain and dispelling myths

With the rise of digital devices, eye health is increasingly compromised by digital eye strain and myopia. Nutrition Insight speaks with experts at AstaReal and Unibar Corporation, who highlight the role of vision supplements like astaxanthin, CapsiClear, and carotenoids in protecting against oxidative stress, inflammation, and blue light damage. 

Dr. Behnaz Shakersain, Scientific Affairs manager at AstaReal Sweden says that though the digital age offers great convenience, it can also cause several negative effects.

“Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, is an increasing health concern, as it not only affects visual performance and the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) but may also influence sleep quality, cognitive function, and musculoskeletal health,” she explains. “Today, around 80% of European millennials using digital devices have experienced related eye fatigue.” 

“Globally, four in five adults complain about digital eye strain. Therefore, timely and effective interventions to support eye health and prevent accelerated eye aging are highly recommended.”

Bombardment of light

Dr. Jeffrey Anshel, optometrist and founder of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society, tells us that video displays in society today — desktops, laptops, tablets, watches, cell phones, and other devices — make it challenging for eye care providers to keep up with the visual demands.

Approximately 80% of European millennials using digital devices have experienced related eye fatigue, reveals Shakersain.“The increased amount of time that people of all ages are spending viewing these screens has compounded the challenge. When viewing paper-based text, it was relatively simple to test the visual demand of the task and the working distance of the patient to determine a visual correction to compensate for a visual deficiency.”

“However, with the various video display technologies available today, each configuration has its own challenges. Consider the latest technology in display imaging, which uses LED backlighting to produce the image on a screen. This requires the person to essentially view a ‘lightbulb’ for hours at a time. The human retina is not designed to withstand a constant bombardment of lumens for an extended period,” says Anshel, who is also a consultant at Unibar Corporation.

Health compromise for screens

Some issues from long screen time include dry eye syndrome and myopia (or nearsightedness).

“Studies have shown that display-viewing individuals experience fewer blinks per minute than viewers of hard copy. One explanation for this finding is that the display screen is higher in the visual field than paper-based reading material,” says Anshel.

“In this situation, the eyes are open wider, and blinking is reduced and less complete. This is where supplementation with a branded form of capsanthin (CapsiClear) can help. It has been clinically shown in published studies to support tear regeneration, increase tear break-up time, and decrease corneal inflammation. Furthermore, CapsiClear has been shown to decrease intraocular pressure, improve macular pigment optical density, provide blue and white light protection, and improve eye strain and fatigue.”

Anshel says video displays in society today make it challenging for eye care providers to keep up with the visual demands.Anshel claims that studies on myopia after the COVID-19 pandemic have shown an increase in its prevalence and progression, with two potential causes being less time spent outside during the day and more time spent watching displays. 

Culprits: Oxidative stress and inflammation

According to Shakersain, one of the primary ways that blue light from digital screens harms the eyes is by causing oxidative stress and inflammation in eye cells and the ciliary muscles, which are responsible for supporting and adjusting the eye lenses. 

“This oxidative damage can lead to visual fatigue, reduced accommodative function, reduction of tear production, and long-term retinal stress, increasing the risk of digital eye strain and other vision-related issues.”

“AstaReal, as the pioneer in natural astaxanthin production and science, offers exclusive support to brands in the eye health category, helping them align new product developments with consumer needs and market trends. With a focus on clean label, vegan, sustainable, and planet-friendly solutions, we ensure that innovations meet both health and environmental standards.”

Eyestrain is most likely a side effect of excessive near viewing without taking breaks, says Anshel.Blue light — overblamed?

Anshel sees a rise in news regarding blue light and newer display screens but seeks to dispel misinformation.

“Blue light is the highest energy light reaching the retina (UV light is absorbed by the cornea and internal lens). Thus, the assumption is that excessive blue light exposure from display viewing is the cause of several eye health issues, including sleep disruption, eyestrain, and possibly macular degeneration.”

“Of these three, only sleep deprivation from late-night display viewing has any scientific confirmation. Eyestrain is most likely a side effect of excessive near viewing without taking breaks. Macular degeneration has been around for a long time before display screens were prevalent. Most blue light exposure comes from the sun, not display screens. Supplementation with UniGold lutein and zeaxanthin can help here,” he suggests.

Another “false narrative” Anshel sees is the optical industry promoting people to buy “blue light blocking” glasses. “In fact, the best way to ensure that the retina is protected is to eat a diet or take a supplement that includes high amounts of carotenoids, which are deposited directly at the center of the retina for maximum protection,” he advises.