It is estimated that about 90 million of the 142 million Americans above age 40 are experiencing vision problems, and this population could double by 2050. “For far too long, eye health has received inadequate public health attention, despite good vision being essential to most people’s overall health and well-being,” says Steven Teutsch, former chief science officer for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
With the increasing populations of aging individuals and persons glued to a screen all day, there is an equally increasing need for ingredients and products that address eye health. That need is even more critical considering research revealing that, since the eyes are a direct link to the central nervous system in the brain, eye health actually contributes to overall cognitive and emotional health.
Food and drinks products marketed on an eye health platform are still relatively few and far between, although activity has increased markedly in recent years, as an aging population is increasingly concerned over issues such as age-related macular degeneration.
As marketers of conventional foods, functional foods and dietary supplements pore over data looking for new product opportunities that answer consumer needs, foods and beverages that address health issues, often specific health conditions, come to the forefront.
Consumer awareness of eye-health, along with landmark research supporting supplementation benefits, gives direction for nutritional products companies.