More than 45 million Americans complain of headaches each year, and 39 million Americans will suffer from a migraine this year. There are many known causes of headaches. including dehydration, lack of sleep, stress, and skipped meals. One big trigger for headaches is exposure or overexposure to bright light or harmful blue light from screens, LED lights, and natural sunshine. The good news is that aside from reliance on pain medication, there are other solutions, and lutein is one of them.
The Relationship Between Light and Aching Heads
Blue light is a powerful migraine trigger that often causes light sensitivity and aura that only serve to intensify migraines caused by light that comes from the sun and artificial light sources. Lutein and zeaxanthin are powerful antioxidants that are known to block blue light, acting as natural, internal sunglasses. The human eye also uses lutein and zeaxanthin to protect the macula from blue light and oxidative stress, which are both strong migraine triggers.
You may find it interesting to know that a 2012 study concluded migraine sufferers who experienced chronic light sensitivity accumulated higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula of the eye. The researcher posed the question that the macula may accumulate these nutrients in an effort to reduce light sensitivity associated with frequent or chronic migraines.
Some researchers have suggested the hypothesis that photosensitivity in migraine sufferers may serve to prevent macular eye damage. While this has yet to be verified one way or the other, it does make sense because it is well understood that reducing migraine symptoms can be accomplished by closing the eyes, moving into a dark, quiet place, and/or getting rest or sleep — a break from light.
Reducing Eye Strain to Prevent Headaches
Taking it a step further, it is widely accepted that bright or artificial lights can cause significant eye strain, dry eye, and eye fatigue — all of which also contribute to headaches and migraines. As we’ve discussed previously, lutein and zeaxanthin are effective at reducing eye strain and improving sharpness of vision and overall eye health.
While we stress the importance of protecting your eyes against harmful blue light and direct sunlight, there is a lot to be said about low-light conditions and its effects on vision and eye health as well. In healthy eyes, adjusting to darkness should be relatively quick, but humans are not meant to focus to see in the dark. This is why our circadian rhythms are dictated by sunlight and shift work has a negative effect on overall health and wellness. Lutein may improve overall eye health and reduce the impact that low-light straining may have on triggering migraines.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Viteyes® Supplements
At Viteyes®, our Blue Light Defender™ collection of eye supplements for all ages offers a daily dose of lutein and zeaxanthin that is difficult to obtain from your day to day diet to support optimal eye health. What serves to help folks reduce the risk of macular degeneration also has the potential to help improve low-light vision, reduce eye strain, promote eye strength, and reduce the frequency of vision-related headaches and migraines. If you suffer from headaches and migraines, consider adding lutein and zeaxanthin to your regimen. Visit us online to learn more, and order your Blue Light Defender eye vitamins today.
