Far too many Brits are blind to the benefits of optimising their eye health according to new research. The research commissioned by Ocuvite®, a specially designed eye care supplement from leading eye care specialists Bausch + Lomb, questioned 2,000 Britons aged 30 to 60 years which revealed that almost half of us (42%) believe that deteriorating eye health is inevitable or they have no idea of how to look after their eyes.
Yet the research also found that sight is the sense we value the most, with four out of five adults reporting vision is the sense they would least like to lose. A third of those surveyed also felt that their eye health has reduced faster than the health of other parts of their bodies. Visual impairment can be costly, with the expense of this globally estimated at 3 trillion dollars in 2010, which is projected to increase by a further 20 per cent by 2020.3
These findings are all the more shocking because there is now clear evidence that diet and lifestyle are a factor in all of the major assaults on our ocular health — retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and glaucoma. So a healthy diet can help to head off problems associated with eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Leading nutritionist, Dr Emma Derbyshire, and a member of the eye care advisory panel, WINK says: “Several nutrients are crucial for eye health. Vitamins A, C and E, as well as zinc, omega 3 fatty acids, and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin play an essential role in the structure of the eye, and hence in good vision. The Ocuvite® range is designed by eye care specialists so it is scientifically formulated to contain a combination of these crucial nutrients and associated ingredients.”
“We also know from the latest government data that oily fish, a key source of omega-3s, is under-consumed across all age groups. Minerals such as zinc, which has an approved EFSA claim that it contributes to normal vision, only 11% of men and 14% of women in the Ocuvite® research knew of zinc’s importance for eye health. Zinc however, is essential for cell metabolism and is present in the retina and choroid (vascular layer of the eye ball).”
“Scarily, as few as 9% in the Ocuvite® research said that they eat green leafy veg each day but only at one portion. This is of great concern for eye health as green leafy veg is the main source of lutein, which forms a key component of the macula at the back of the eye.”
“Bearing in mind our poor diet in relation to maintaining eye health, it is interesting to learn from the research that more than a third (34%) of those surveyed would rather take a supplement developed by a company specialising in eye care rather than a general supplement manufacturer.”
Leading optical expert, Francesca Marchetti from WINK says: “Many of us have lifestyles that are potentially damaging to our eye health and it’s important to make choices that help look after our eyes. As eye nutrients act synergistically in combination a supplement such as Ocuvite® Complete is a good choice to support ocular health.”
Francesca Marchetti adds: “When it comes to our health and protecting our senses, none of us can look into a crystal ball and predict what might happen, but we can make intelligent choices and try to protect what we have —Ocuvite® Complete contains the ideal combination of compounds to support ocular health.”
Ocuvite® Complete:
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Developed by leading eye care specialists at Bausch & Lomb with over 150 years of eye care expertise
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Ingredients from premium suppliers to guarantee optimal quality
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Scientifically formulated to help maintain vision and counterbalance stress of everyday life that impact eye health (diet, sun exposure, working environment)
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Designed to slow natural processes of eye ageing
Contains:
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DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) –contributes to normal vision
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Zinc – acts to limit oxidative damage and contributes to normal vision
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Vitamin C – contributes to reduction of tiredness and fatigue
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Vitamin E – contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative damage
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Lutein and zeaxanthin – components of the macula at the back of the eye
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Carotenoids such as Lutein in Ocuvite® Complete which is derived from marigold flowers have a key role to play in helping to support against vision loss, often working in synergy with other eye nutrients. One of their main roles is to scavenge free radicals helping to support normal vision.
Developed by leading eye care specialists, Bausch + Lomb, who have over 150 years of eye care expertise, the Ocuvite® range retails at the following prices and is available from Boots stores nationwide as well as independent pharmacies and opticians:
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Ocuvite® Complete – £14.95
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Ocuvite® Lutein – £8.99
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Ocuvite® BioLutein – £12.99