The double-edged sword of technology has brought yet another issue to the forefront that many never thought of in the past. Generations ago, employment generally consisted of some sort of manual process. Men and women were much more active in nature due to the lack of technology at the time.
Children also used to be much more active than they are now. With the invention of the television, the PC, video games and now even the Smartphone, the body that was in motion, now tends to stand (or sit) still. According to A. C Neilsen statistics, the television is on for 6 hours and 47 minutes in the average U. S. Home. When combined with the hours staring at a computer screen, the time spent staring at a screen goes up dramatically.
While the benefits of technology are vast, one drawback that is becoming more and more apparent is eye fatigue. Those who spend four to seven hours a day working on computers, watching TV or using any of the other items mentioned can experience eye weakness and irritation. They will also have issues with focusing on objects at different distances due to the constant focus on a screen. Eye fatigue can also cause glare sensitivity, blurring, double vision and poor depth perception.
There's help on the way though. It comes in the form of Astaxanthin. This is a carotenoid that is produced by microalgae and consumed by such marine life as lobster, shrimp and salmon. This is actually what gives them their reddish color. Astaxanthin is also a powerful anti-oxidant that has been approved by the FDA and used as a food supplement. Clinical studies at the University of Illinois show the ability of this to cross the blood-brain barrier and gives antioxidant protection to the eyes, brain and central nervous system.
Work done in Japan has shown that Astaxanthin can help prevent eye fatigue or strain. In a study where volunteers received 5mg a day over the course of a month reported a 54% decrease in eye fatigue symptoms.
There has also been a study where athletes received 6 mg per day and reported an improvement in depth perception by 46%. The lactic acid build-up in muscles, that is associated with exercise-related muscle cramps and fatigue, was also greatly diminished in 1,200-meter runners who used the supplement. This could suggest that it may enhance sports performance (Ssshhh!!! Don't tell anybody!!!).
You can find this product easily online or in health and nutrition stores where you can purchase vitamins and food supplements. They come in softgels or capsules anywhere from 2 - 10 mg.
Six independent studies have all shown positive results in using Astaxanthin to help reduce eye strain. With all of the other positive attributes this supplement brings to the table, it almost seems ridiculous not to use this product. This does not mean that you can watch the "Lost" marathon for 17 hours or play Halo until the seat fuses to your body. Physical activity is still required for proper health. If your occupation requires extended time in front of a computer screen, this may be something to look into, especially if you have experienced any of the symptoms associated with eye strain.
Author Resource:-
Many individuals go to Dr. Lynn Kerew for relief. For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.
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