As we age, it's inevitable that we start noticing small changes in our vision. Maybe colours seem less vibrant, reading fine print becomes harder, or driving at night feels like more of a strain. These shifts can be frustrating and even in the modern age of medicine we have all but accepted this decline as "part of getting older." However, it's worth considering that changes in our vision are often linked to something happening deep within our cells, specifically in the mitochondria, which produce the energy that powers every part of our body, including our eyes.
Recent research is shedding light on how this energy depletion affects our eyesight. Studies by Professor Glen Jeffery and his team, as well as earlier work by Wong-Riley MT, show a strong connection between declining ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) levels and age-related vision problems. ATP is the fuel that powers our cells, and when production slows, the cells in our eyes struggle to function properly.
The good news? These findings suggest that optimising and maintaining ATP levels could play a vital role in keeping your vision sharper and your eyes healthier for longer.
The Science Behind ATP and Vision
Our eyes are some of the most energy-demanding parts of our body, constantly working to process light, colors, and movement. To do this, they rely on ATP, and as ATP levels drop, you might start to notice:
- More eye strain after long periods of reading or screen time.
- Colors appearing less vivid than they used to.
- Trouble seeing in low light or distinguishing between similar shades.
As ATP production decreases, the cells in the retina, especially the photoreceptors, struggle to function as they should. Over time, this leads to noticeable changes, such as difficulty seeing in low light, reduced colour contrast, and general eye fatigue. It’s not just about the eyes getting "tired", the very energy they rely on to operate is being depleted, resulting in a breakdown of their normal processes.
This gradual reduction in ATP can also make the eyes more vulnerable to age-related conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. These conditions are linked to oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage, two factors that worsen as ATP levels drop. Essentially, when our eyes are starved of energy, they’re less capable of fighting off the cellular damage that comes with aging.
While we cannot deny that these processes are an unfortunate and natural part of getting older, it may be possible to slow or even partially reverse some of these effects. The key lies in giving the mitochondria the tools they need to continue producing energy efficiently.
Technological Impact
The negative effects of too much screen time on mobile phones, laptops, smart TVs, and other devices are pretty well documented, however, you might not be aware of the potential hidden health impact associated with our everyday electronics.
It is suggested that electro-pollution, caused by exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by devices like mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, and other electronic gadgets, can adversely impact the electronegativity of our blood. When the natural charge of the blood is disrupted, it can lead to a phenomenon known as blood cell aggregation, where the cells stick together rather than flowing freely. Aggregation can affect circulation, as the blood struggles to move efficiently through the body, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells. This disruption has a ripple effect, interfering with numerous bodily functions, one of the most critical being the production, transportation, and regulation of ATP.
Since ATP is produced in the mitochondria and relies on a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to function, anything that slows blood flow can impair the body's ability to generate sufficient energy. Blood cell aggregation can interfere with the body’s ability to transport ATP to where it’s needed, particularly to energy-hungry organs like the eyes, brain, and heart. Without adequate ATP, cells struggle to perform their essential functions, leading to fatigue, weakened immune responses, and impaired organ function.
An evolving body of research suggests that electro-pollution may be a hidden factor contributing to the gradual depletion of ATP in our bodies, making it harder to maintain optimal health and energy levels.In the context of eye health, the reduced circulation means that the mitochondria in the eyes may not get the oxygen they need to produce ATP efficiently.
How Boosting ATP Levels Can Help Your Eyes
Think of ATP as the fuel your eyes need to keep functioning properly. When ATP levels drop, the photoreceptor cells in your retina—the ones responsible for capturing light—can’t do their job as well.
Professor Jeffery’s study found that certain therapies can help stimulate the mitochondria to produce more ATP. Similarly, earlier work by Wong-Riley MT highlighted how energy metabolism is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, reinforcing the idea that supporting ATP levels could be key to preserving eyesight.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Vision
There are several simple ways to give your eyes the energy boost they need:
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Morning Light Exposure: Studies suggest that early morning exposure to natural light, especially in the red spectrum, can help boost ATP production in your retinal cells. So, a quick morning walk could be just what your eyes need.
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Mitochondria-Supporting Supplements: Supplements like CoQ10, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support mitochondrial health, giving your eyes the boost they need to keep ATP levels up.
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Healthy Nutrition: A diet rich in leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish provides essential nutrients that promote ATP production, helping your eyes stay healthy.
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Take Screen Breaks: We’re all spending more time in front of screens these days, but taking regular breaks can reduce the strain on your eyes and help them recover.
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Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy has been shown to boost ATP production in the eyes by stimulating the mitochondria, helping them produce energy more efficiently. Studies suggest that exposing the eyes to red light, especially in the morning, can improve mitochondrial function, potentially slowing age-related vision decline and enhancing overall eye health.
- AV Edge Wristbands & Protect Filters: AV Edge products are designed to mitigate the aggregation of blood cells and support optimum ATP production.
Conclusion
If you’ve started noticing subtle changes in your vision, don’t simply write it off as just part of getting older. The latest research shows that supporting ATP production through small lifestyle changes, supplements, or health and wellness technology can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp. Whether it’s as simple as getting more morning sunlight, trying a supplement to boost your mitochondria, or wearing an AV Edge wristband, there are practical steps you can take to help maintain your vision.
By paying attention to how ATP levels impact your eyes, you can keep them performing at their best for years to come.
References
- Shinhmar, H., Hogg, C., Neveu, M., Jeffreys G. "Weeklong improved colour contrasts sensitivity after single 670 nm exposures associated with enhanced mitochondrial function." Scientific Reports, 11, 22872 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-02311-1
- Wong-Riley MT. "Energy metabolism of the visual system." Eye Brain. 2010;2:99-116. doi: 10.2147/EB.S9078.