Feast Your Eyes: Hyaluronic Acid for Eye Health
Here’s a question you don’t hear every day: What do your joints and eyes have in common?
The answer is right before your eyes – literally! Hyaluronic Acid (HA) was first discovered in a cow’s eyeball in 1934, by German biochemist Dr. Karl Meyer. Meyer eventually discovered that it was this property that makes up the central-most part of the eye, thus forming its shape and serving a number of other purposes that are vital to proper function.
Hyaluronic Acid is essentially a long chain of carbohydrates found throughout the body—a sugary molecule which seeks out and binds to water, 
able to hold up to about 1000 times its weight! (Translation: this study[1] reports that one gram of Hyaluronic Acid is capable of holding as much as six liters of water.) This is what creates gelatin-like HA, which plays a significant role in maintaining moisture in the skin, eyes, and that’s right…your joints. The synovial fluid that cushions your bones and absorbs shock is actually composed of Hyaluronic Acid.
While it serves many functions in the body, let’s go back to where it all started: the eye. What does it actually do, and how can one support their eye health with Hyaluronic Acid?
Because the eyes rely on optimal fluid levels in order to function—it’s no wonder that Hyaluronic Acid is what makes up about 95% of the fluid inside the eye, supporting the health of ocular structures such as the cornea and retina. With its super-ability to bind to moisture, it also aids in absorbing shock and transporting nutrients.
As you age, however, the body begins to lose its ability to produce and retain Hyaluronic Acid. Research indicates that after or around age 50, the eyes could lose up to 50 percent of their ability to produce the HA needed for optimal performance. Dryness and sensitivity are indicators that the eye may be lacking in this vital fluid. It can be when these functions are compromised that vision becomes affected.
Hyaluronic Acid in Eye Drops: Beyond Relief
The properties of HA lend themselves incredibly well for use in artificial tears. Remember the gelatin-like substance? Since it is found in the vitreous fluid of the eyes, the unique viscosity of HA may allow and eyedrop to remain on the eye longer. This may provide longer-lasting moisture and protection. Hyaluronic acid eye drops can even be used to hydrate and nourish dry eye conditions.
Hyaluronic acid not only acts as a lubricant, but it also can support issues caused by aging and external factors (such as UV radiation), as well as promote healthy eye structure.
But how does HA do it?
Support from Within
Much like the rest of the body, there are certain key nutrients we need to support our eyes’ health. That’s why Hyalogic® offers Hylavision, a consumable supplement designed for the maintenance of proper eye health. This supplement is composed of eye-targeting antioxidants and nutrients that we may be missing in our diet. With vitamins A, C, E, and Zinc, Hylavision also includes:
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These antioxidants work to help filter out and absorb harmful light rays, as well as support the overall retinal and macular health of the eye.
- Bilberry: Another powerful antioxidant, this ingredient helps promote healthy eye circulation, supports collagen, and can even support healthy night vision.
Hyalogic® not only offers natural and beneficial topical products like HA skincare and eye drops, it also offers a way to support lessening the onset of issues before they start. And with your eyesight, it’s comforting to know HA can provide support through drops or supplements.