Reading at night is recommended for health and improved sleep, compared with staring at electronic screens. Studies show that nighttime reading can improve sleep quality, lower stress, and reduce exposure to blue light, which can disrupt melatonin.1 Using phones, laptops, tablets, and televisions close to bedtime can make it tougher to drift off. The blue-leaning light they emit can interfere with your body’s natural “time to sleep” signals.2
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As the Earth orbits the Sun, the Sun’s angle changes the quality of light. How do the Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall seasons of the year affect the eyes? Seasonal changes in light affect human vision by altering color perception. Yellow seems greener in the summer, and redder in the winter. In the fall and winter, lower sun angles increase glare and eye strain. This can affect visual sensitivity by increasing or decreasing dryness or brightness shifts. The less-intense winter light can affect sleep cycles. These changes in seasons and light can also affect sleep patterns (circadian rhythms).
Your visual system must adapt to all these changes. In this article, you will learn how light changes throughout the year, how it affects your eyes, how it can make vision problems more pronounced, the pros and cons of bright lights for Seasonal Affective Disorder, and antioxidants for reducing glare.
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A new study has found a link between vascular diseases, specifically high blood pressure, diabetes, and increased risk for dementia. Vascular risk factors were higher in both female and Black participants, as well as non-carriers of the APOE ε4 gene, which is linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.1
The statistical results of this cohort study suggest that between 22% and 44% of incident dementia cases by 80 years old were attributed to midlife and late-life vascular risk factors.
The brain and visual system rely on a significant portion of the nutrients you consume to maintain optimal health and function. Supporting the connections between the body, mind, and eyes is key to promoting healthy vision, preserving brain health, and reducing the risk of age-related eye and brain diseases. This includes macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, plus dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.
Many of these conditions stem from a lack of essential nutrients reaching the eyes and brain, leaving them deprived of what they need to thrive. Other factors, such as autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular issues, medications, chronic stress, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, inadequate sleep, and both genetic and epigenetic influences, can also play a role.
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We are exposed to blue light daily when we over-use computers, smartphones, tablets, and televisions. We also get blue light from the sun, and LED and fluorescent lights The risks associated with blue-light exposure increase with the duration of exposure. Therefore, take steps to keep your eyes safer. We will explain research on blue light and macular degeneration, and provide tips for reducing blue light exposure.
When tiny plastic particles pollute the ecosystem, can they cause harm? If so, can you do anything? At Natural Eye Care, we have mined the research on the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on human health. Read on to find out what they are, how they affect living organisms, and how to reduce your exposure.
Oxidative stress significantly affects health and vision. It is a process in which free radicals are produced, leading to potential harm as these unstable molecules steal electrons from healthy cells. This oxidative damage can manifest visibly as aging skin and ocular changes, such as cataract formation. However, oxidation is not the only factor contributing to accelerated aging and eye conditions; poor circulation and insufficient essential nutrients also play important roles.
Wintertime is when colds and flu are the most common. Why should we try to avoid these infectious diseases, and how? In addition to annual vaccines, what are some natural ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season? At Natural Eye Care, we see healthy eyes as part of a healthy body. This article references research that supports lifestyle, nutrition, botanicals, and supplements to fight colds and flu. Find out how to avoid getting sick, reduce the impact, and recover faster.
Each year, approximately 5 to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu. Although most recover without incident, flu-related complications typically lead to at least 200,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 and 60,000 deaths each year. People tend to recover from bacterial-related colds much more quickly than virus-related colds. Seniors and small children are especially susceptible.
Did you know that your daily habits affect your eyes and brain? As our population ages, more effort is needed to support seniors’ eyes, brains, and overall health. Research shows that a balanced diet, regular exercise, meaningful social interactions, and targeted supplements can have a significant impact. Remember, your retina and optic nerves are essentially brain tissue, meaning the nutrients that nourish your brain also bolster your vision. Read on to discover some of the latest research in this field.
July is Ultraviolet Safety Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about the dangers of UV rays and the importance of protecting our eyes and skin. Ultraviolet radiation, a type of energy produced by the sun, can have serious health implications if proper precautions are not taken. Why is UV safety important? What are the sources of ultraviolet radiation? How can you keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the harmful effects of UV rays?
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Natural Eye Care, Inc.
3 Paradies Lane
New Paltz, New York 12561
Phone: 845.475.4158
NaturalEyeCare™ started in 1999 to help the public and professionals learn about complementary care in eye disease treatment.
The information and recommendations we offer are based on over 30 years of peer review research and personal clinical experience which guides us in providing a valuable resource to our readers, customers and patients regarding maintaining healthy vision naturally.
We believe that vision health is intimately connected to overall mental, physical and spiritual health. Therefore we encourage people to look at their overall lifestyle and diet as part of keeping healthy vision and reducing the risk of eye disease onset. This includes diet, regular exercise, and management of daily stress. If one has health issues such as high blood pressure, a thyroid imbalance, any autoimmune disease and/or are on medication(s), these possible contributions to eye disease should considered when working with your health care professional.
Please do not hesitate to call us at 845.475.4158 with any questions and concerns.
