SUPPORTING EYE HEALTH: INSIGHTS FROM TOGETHER HEALTH DIETITIAN LOLA BIGGS

In a world where screen time is on the rise, putting a strain on our eyes, it's crucial to prioritise our eye health. Dietitian Lola Biggs from Together Health offers valuable guidance on maintaining healthy eyes through a balanced diet and lifestyle.

Reflecting on childhood memories, Lola recalls the promise of super-powered night vision associated with eating carrots. While the goal may have shifted from seeing in the dark, the importance of carrots remains. The vibrant orange color of this root vegetable is attributed to carotenoids, with beta-carotene being the most abundant. Carotenoids play a pivotal role in enhancing eye health, as the body transforms them into essential nutrients, particularly Vitamin A.

Research from the US suggests that a combination of vitamins, including Vitamin A and zinc, can reduce the risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration. Emily Chew, deputy Clinical Director at the National Eye Institute, emphasizes the importance of Vitamin A, derived from beta-carotene, in aiding light conversion and protecting the cornea.

Carotenoids aren't exclusive to carrots; they abound in various colorful fruits and vegetables. Lola advises maintaining a diverse, rainbow-colored plate to ensure a rich supply of these beneficial pigments and keep eye health in focus.

Moving on to supplements, Lola highlights Lutein and Zeaxanthin, prominent carotenoids found in deep, leafy greens. These antioxidants are crucial for protecting the macula and retina, with research indicating their role in shielding the retina from light damage.

Given the ubiquity of screens, Lutein and Zeaxanthin emerge as remedies against blue light strain. Lola explains their effectiveness in combating the oxidative stress caused by prolonged screen exposure, contributing to digital eye strain.

Acknowledging the inevitability of screen time, Lola emphasizes the need for a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and dark leafy greens. Good fats, particularly those containing DHA, play a vital role, as demonstrated in studies showcasing improvements in eye focus and fatigue symptoms.

For those seeking additional eye support, Together Health offers a concentrated formula featuring potent carotenoids sourced sustainably from marigolds and bioavailable seaweed. This formula, containing Zeaxanthin, Meso zeaxanthin, Astaxanthin, Lutein, and Beta-carotene, acts as a natural shield against screen-related stress, providing a protective layer for the eyes.