Digital Blue®

The macula is a small but crucial part of the retina, located at the back of the eye. It is responsible for central vision, which is essential for seeing fine details clearly and performing activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. The macula's densely packed light-sensitive cells, particularly the cones, enable it to provide the sharp, detailed vision needed for these high-acuity tasks. Its health is vital for maintaining good vision; damage to the macula can lead to significant visual impairment and even central vision loss, profoundly affecting a person's quality of life by impacting their ability to perform everyday tasks that require fine visual details.

Blue light, part of the visible light spectrum, has shorter wavelengths and more energy compared to other colors. When it reaches the eye, blue light penetrates all the way to the retina, the inner lining of the back of the eye. Prolonged exposure to high-intensity blue light can cause damage to the light-sensitive cells in the retina. The macula, the central part of the retina responsible for high-resolution vision, is particularly susceptible. While the body uses blue light to regulate sleep and mood, excessive exposure, especially from screens and artificial sources, can contribute to eye strain and retinal damage.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, naturally occurring pigments found in plants that are crucial for human health, particularly eye health. These antioxidants are concentrated in the macula, an area of the retina responsible for central vision. They act as a natural filter of high-energy blue light that can damage the eyes, and they help protect against oxidative stress that can lead to age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Although the human body does not synthesize these compounds, they can be obtained through dietary sources such as leafy green vegetables, peas, eggs, and other foods rich in these pigments. Regular consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin is recommended to support healthy vision, especially as part of an overall diet that promotes eye health.

Lutein supports eye health primarily by serving as a potent antioxidant and filtering high-energy blue wavelengths of light. Concentrated in the macula—the part of the retina responsible for central vision—lutein helps protect and maintain healthy cells by reducing the impact of oxidative stress. Additionally, consistent dietary intake of lutein is associated with increased pigment density in the macula, thereby enhancing visual contrast sensitivity, reducing glare impairment, and supporting overall visual acuity. Thus, lutein plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and functional capabilities of the eyes, helping to preserve vision as part of a balanced diet.

We are a family-owned company in Eugene, Oregon with a commitment to making natural products that actually work. Many companies make products from naturally sourced ingredients, but with questionable, or even no science backing their claims. We make sure that every product we offer to our loyal customers contains ingredients that are backed by extensive scientific studies showing that they work.