In today's digital age, our eyes work harder than ever before. On average, Americans spend over seven hours each day staring at various screens from televisions to computers to cell phones. Each of these screens exposes our eyes to harmful blue light emitted by these devices. With technology use increasing, protecting your eyes is an extremely important topic for health-focused people.  

There are steps you can take to mitigate and reduce the damage to your eyes including getting regular eye exams, limiting the use of digital screens, and purchasing special blue light-blocking glasses. However, athletes and health-conscious people know that their diet can provide tremendous benefits when it comes to protecting your body naturally. As it turns out, eggs are one of the richest sources of two eye-protecting nutrients. 

The Negative Impacts of Blue Light on Our Health 

Blue light is a part of the natural spectrum of light all around us. In fact, blue wavelengths in sunlight are what make the sky appear blue. While some exposure to blue light can be beneficial, boosting alertness and mood, too much can have detrimental effects on our eyes.

Unlike other types of light, blue light penetrates all the way to the retina, the inner lining of the eye. Overexposure can cause digital eye strain with symptoms such as dryness, itchiness, and a burning sensation in the eyes. Long-term, this could potentially contribute to age-related macular degeneration, leading to significant vision loss.

Blue light also creates a flickering phenomenon that is more common than in longer light wavelengths. This flickering creates a glare that reduces visual contrast and sharpness forcing your eyes to work harder to focus.

Excessive blue light exposure can also disrupt your sleep by suppressing melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles. If you've been having trouble sleeping after long hours of watching digital screens, blue light might be the cause.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin: The Unsung Heroes of Eye Health

After the brain, your eyes are the most complex parts of the human body. They require special care to keep healthy and in good working order. Two crucial antioxidants, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, are key components when it comes to protecting your eyes from the effects of blue light.

Found in a variety of foods, Lutein and Zeaxanthin are carotenoids, pigments found in nature that have strong antioxidant properties. When it comes to eye health, your retina is the most vulnerable to blue light damage. When consumed, these antioxidants accumulate in the retina and help absorb and filter out blue light.

Unfortunately, neither Lutein nor Zeaxanthin is produced naturally in our bodies. For this reason, it’s critical for health conscious people to make the right food and supplement choices to take advantage of these elements. Dieticians recommend that individuals consume 10 mg of Lutein and 2 mg of Zeaxanthin every day to get the most benefit for eye health. 

A Natural Source of Eye-Protecting Antioxidants

One of the most effective ways to boost your intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin is to consume eggs. Eggs, particularly the yolks, are rich in these vital antioxidants. Adding to their benefits, eggs are also packed with protein and choline, making them a well-rounded choice for maintaining overall health. In addition to Lutein and Zeaxanthin, eggs are also a great source of Vitamins A, D, E, and B12, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

At Ovation Foods, we strive to provide our customers with the highest quality foods that are packed with important nutrients. The foundation of each of our products is one whole egg, making our snacks an excellent source of both Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Best of all, our snacks are portable and easy for people with active lifestyles. We understand that maintaining a balanced diet is often easier said than done, especially for outdoor and fitness enthusiasts who are always on the move. That's why we've designed our products to not only be rich in vital nutrients but also to be convenient and portable.

Whether you are stocking up on our protein sticks, chicken strips, or our brand-new Steak-N-Eggs line, you’ll get the benefits of eye-healthy Lutein and Zeaxanthin in every bite. 

The Future of Eye Health is Here

We can’t stress enough the importance of proper nutrition to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of blue light from the screens around you every day. There is only so much protection you can get from regular check-ups and protective eyewear.

In a world that's becoming more digital and health-conscious, we’re proud to bring you the highest quality snacks made from the premium cuts of meat, whole eggs, and flavorful spices. Available in flavors such as Chili Lime, Smokehouse, and Teriyaki, you’ll never have to compromise on nutrition or taste with snacks from Ovation Foods. Check out our full line of products today.