Video games have become more and more popular over the years, specifically among kids. When playing video games several hours a week, you may have concerns about the long-term effects of prolonged screen time and how you may protect against potential eye damage.
Thankfully, supplements for gamers like Eyemuse may effectively mitigate some of the issues associated with prolonged blue light exposure.*
Eyemuse contains the key ingredient Lacticaseibacillus paracasei KW3110. L. paracasei is a type of lactic acid bacteria that is commonly used for fermentation of dairy products and has benefits for gut health. Recently, researchers at Kirin discovered the other potential health advantages of L. paracasei, including its potential to promote eye health. Thus, they developed Eyemuse, which contains this powerhouse ingredient to relieve symptoms of common ocular conditions (1).*
It is important to note that Eyemuse is a postbiotic, meaning it is a dead bacteria. Though you may already be familiar with prebiotics and probiotics, postbiotics are just probiotics and their chemical compounds that have been heat-killed to allow for easier transport and storage. Postbiotics can be rich in B vitamins, vitamin K, amino acids, and antimicrobial peptides, all of which may benefit your overall health (2).* Typically, postbiotics are more stable than probiotics since they do not require stable or cool ambient temperatures.
Eyemuse is the only known postbiotic strain that has been clinically researched to support eye health and minimize eye fatigue. Studies have shown that it might relieve the effects of blue light through its mitigation of immune cells and anti-inflammatory properties.*
These days, all of us are spending way too much time on our devices. We have high screen times and thus are susceptible to certain health risks associated with overusing technology, particularly as they relate to our eyes. Unfortunately, our kids are equally if not more prone to prolonged screen times and the ocular symptoms that can result.
Experts estimate that children between the ages of eight and 12 spend an average of four to six hours a day using or watching screens. Additionally, we expect teens to spend as many as nine hours a day looking at screens. These screens typically come from computers, smartphones, video games, TVs, and tablets (3). Although technology can certainly keep children and adolescents occupied and perhaps even teach them a thing or two, it can also be damaging to their eyes in the long term.
The gold standard for minimizing the adverse effects of screen time on children’s health is to limit screen time altogether. However, in this day and age, so much of our everyday lives involve devices. Children in particular may be using screens for school, to play video games, or to socialize with friends. Thus, eye supplements for kids can be a great option for those wanting to protect against the potential damage of prolonged blue light exposure.* One such supplement includes Eyemuse.
When we think about kids and device usage, we can attribute a lot of children’s screen time to video games. It is estimated that gamers spend as many as 14 hours a week playing video games. Video games, along with other screens that emit blue light, can be damaging to the eyes and kids’ overall health.
Blue light is a type of light on the visual light spectrum. We are exposed to blue light via both natural sources, such as from the sun, and artificial sources, such as the screens on our devices (4). Thus, when kids play video games, their eyes are exposed to blue light.
Blue light can be harmful to both our eyes and other aspects of our health. Several studies have evaluated exactly how this happens. Preliminary evidence suggests that continuous blue light exposure could damage the cells in your retina or contribute to vision issues like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Other research suggests that blue light can also impact one’s likelihood of developing cataracts, eye cancer, or eye growths.
Not only that, but prolonged screen time, including playing video games, can cause eye discomfort. As many as 59 percent of people report having symptoms of digital eye strain, which includes issues like vision changes, eye discomfort, headaches, dry eye, and muscle tension.
Finally, aside from issues directly impacting the eyes, blue light from video games can also impact kids’ sleep. Blue light can interrupt circadian rhythms, which is the natural sleep-wake cycle experienced throughout the day. After playing video games for prolonged periods, children may find it difficult to fall asleep, which can contribute to a number of other health issues. Disruptions to one’s circadian rhythm are associated with type 2 diabetes, sleep disorders, heart disease, cognitive dysfunction, and cancer (5).
Because of the many impacts of blue light on your child’s health, you may be seeking out supplements for gamers. Thankfully, Eyemuse is a clinically studied supplement that has evidence to support its protective effects against blue light.*
For example, research shows that Eyemuse:
Minimizes the effects of blue light and supports retina health.* Studies in both animals and humans found that L. paracasei activates immune cells that regulate IL-10 cytokines, which are implicated in eye health.
Decreases eye fatigue.* In a well-controlled study of 88 subjects receiving either placebo or Eyemuse, participants taking Eyemuse demonstrated significantly reduced symptoms of eye fatigue.
Improves other uncomfortable symptoms.* In another study, Eyemuse decreased ocular discomfort, waist and shoulder stiffness, and eye fatigue (1).
Thus, when looking for eye supplements for kids (or adults) who play video games, Eyemuse is a great option to potentially help minimize the negative effects of gaming on your eyes and health.*
This novel Eyemuse formulation is found within the Eyemazing gummy sold by Zen Nutrients. The Eyemazing gummy combines Eyemuse with several other powerful ingredients such as Lutemax 2020 (high-bioavailability lutein and zeaxanthin) and other eye vitamins and minerals.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/what-are-postbiotics
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/digital-devices-your-eyes