Blue Light and Macular Degeneration (AMD) Risk

blue light from too much screen time can harm the eyes including macular degenerationWe 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.

Blue Light Affects the Retina

New research links blue light and Macular Degeneration risk. Antioxidants can play an important role in protecting against the adverse effects of blue light exposure.

Short-wave blue light with wavelengths between 415 nm and 455 nm is linked to eye light damage. On the electromagnetic spectrum, blue light falls just before ultraviolet (UV) light. We cannot see UV light, but we can see blue light. This high-energy light penetrates deeply into the retina. It passes through the cornea and lens into the back of the eyes, contributing to diseases such as dry eyes, macular degeneration, and cataracts.1

Excessive absorption of blue light leads to oxidative stress, which triggers apoptosis and necrosis in retinal pigment epithelial cells.2 3 Crystals can directly penetrate the retina, causing permanent photochemical damage.4 Prolonged exposure to blue light exacerbates visual fatigue and nearsightedness, while symptoms like double vision and difficulty concentrating can impair both learning and work performance.5

High-energy blue light even stimulates the brain, inhibiting melatonin secretion and enhancing adrenocortical hormone production. This process can destroy the hormonal balance and directly affect sleep quality.

Oxidization, Blue Light and Macular Degeneration

Deep penetrating blue light can react with molecules in the retina to form unstable free radicals. Over time, exposure to high amounts of free radicals can damage eye cells.

Melanin is found in the retina. This pigment provides some protection against blue light, helping to prevent free radical formation. However, when melanin is absent or not working correctly, free radicals can accumulate in the eye and damage retinal pigment epithelium cells.

Free radicals, if not neutralized by antioxidants, can accumulate in the eye and damage retinal pigment epithelium cells. Protection can be provided through eating a healthy diet and taking targeted supplements.6

Cornea and Dry Eyes

Blue light has increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in corneal epithelial cells. This can trigger the inflammation of human corneal epithelial cells, with increased oxidative damage leading to cell death.7 8

Blue light is also associated with the formation of dry eye.9 10 The epithelial layer of the cornea is essential for supporting balanced tear production.

Oxidative damage can be reduced by a high intake of antioxidants, found in vegetables, fruits, green and black teas, and spices.

Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.11 The lens becomes cloudy and more opaque. The lens of the eye contains structural proteins, enzymes, and protein metabolites that absorb short wave light. While these naturally occurring chemicals help shield the retina from damage , they also make the lens much more susceptible to blue light damage.12 Blue light exposure increases the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the mitochondria of lens epithelial cells, which may lead to cataract formation.13 14

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in the retina and lens. They are potent antioxidants that help absorb short-wave blue light, essential acting as a pair of “internal sunglasses.”15

Essential antioxidants found in the retina that are critical for maintaining retinal health include lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, taurine, vitamin C, bilberry, and omega-3 fatty acids. A number of these antioxidants also help filter UA and blue light out, protecting the eye lens and retina from related damage. These nutrients should be part of any macular degeneration prevention and treatment protocol.

Self Help to Protect Your Eyes from Blue Light Damage

Adjust device settings

  • On a Mac or iPhone, look for “Night Shift” in the Settings.
  • On Windows, click Start > Settings > System > Display > Night light.
  • On Android, go to Settings, then find the “Display” or “Display & brightness” section. Look for options like “Eye Comfort,” “Eye Comfort Shield,” or “Night Light”.

Macular Degeneration and Circulation

The back of the eyes and brain are nourished by a complex system of blood vessels. Many of the blood vessels are tiny capillaries. Circulation is crucial to keeping the eyes healthy. The eyes and the brain are closely linked. Unsurprisingly, abnormal blood flow is a contributor to both macular degeneration and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Capillaries in both the brain and retina play a crucial role in regulating blood flow, dynamically adjusting to meet the energy demands of surrounding cells. This active response ensures proper oxygen and nutrient delivery. When circulation is impaired, cells get starved, and the effectiveness of retinal cells starts to break down. With Dry Macular Degeneration (AMD), waste does not get fully reabsorbed into the retina. The waste, called “drusen,” builds up, and results in the gradual loss of vision.

The more serious form of this disease is called “wet” AMD.  New, unwanted blood vessels grow in the retina in a process called “angiogenesis.” These new blood vessels are poorly formed and end up leaking. Treatment is important for saving vision. Typically, the eye doctor injects medicine into the eye to dry up the blood vessels and help the eye reabsorb excess fluid. Injections should be done if needed. However, this treatment does not address the underlying cause of why the new blood vessels are being created. Therefore, in many cases, this issue will keep reoccurring, requiring additional injections.

The natural long-term approach is to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and take targeted supplements. These steps will “hyper-nourish” the back of the eyes and help rebuild the retina over time. This can ultimately help maintain healthy vision and potentially reduce the need for future eye injections.

Nattokinase Attenuates Retinal Neovascularization

Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. Highly nutritious, natto has been studied for its health properties. Nattokinase (NK) is an active ingredient extracted from Natto.  Nattokinase has been studied for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to its various vasoprotective effects. NK has antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, fibrinolytic, antiplatelet, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Study results showed anti-angiogenic effects of NK against retinal neovascularization via modulating Nrf2/HO-1, glial activation, and neuroinflammation.16 17 This suggests a promising alternative treatment strategy for retinal neovascularization.

Sidebar: Berberine for Blood Sugar and Kidney Support

Berberine provides many health benefits, including kidney support. This naturally occurring alkaloid is found in plants, including European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, Huanglian herb, phellodendron, and tree turmeric. Berberine can target multiple pathways involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis, making it a promising candidate for kidney protection.18 This chemical has gained attention for its antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

People have used berberine from the Huanglian herb for thousands of years to help manage diabetes. Several studies have shown that taking 600–2,700 mg of berberine daily can lower fasting and long-term blood sugar levels by up to 20% and 12%, respectively,19 20 especially when combined with blood sugar medication. According to several studies, taking 600–2,700 mg of berberine every day can lower blood glucose levels by as much as 20%,18 19 particularly when the patient takes blood sugar medication.

Suggested Supplements

Dr. Grossman’s Circulation and Optic Nerve Support Formula

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps

ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz

Dr. Grossman’s Blood Vessel Control Formula 2oz

Dr. Grossman’s Vitamin C Plant-Based Formula – 60 caps

Resveratrol Ultra High Potency 60 gels – Antioxidant

Dr. Grossman’s Premium Turmeric Vcaps (Organic)

ACG Gluco Extra Strength 2oz

Sugar Balance Packages

Sugar Balance & Blood Vessel Support Package 1 (1 month)

Sugar Balance & Blood Vessel Support Package 2 (3-month)

Recommended Books

Natural Eye Care Series: Macular Degeneration (paperback)

Natural Brain Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Other Related Diseases Naturally

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