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As
we age, our vision suffers from exposure to natural and unnatural elements
in our environment, such as bright light, free radicals, first and second
hand smoke. It is also affected by our genetic disposition for eyesight.
Many of the diseases associated with deteriorating vision are age-related.
They include macular degeneration, cataracts, retinopathy and glaucoma,
to name a few. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) effects
approximately 13 million people in this country and is a primary cause
of new blindness for Americans over the age of 65. Macular degeneration
is a disease which affects the retina, gradually causing vision loss.
A breakdown between the retina and the choroids results in degeneration.
The first symptom of macular degeneration is usually blurred central
vision or a large central blind spot. There is no cure, but laser surgery
during the early stages of the disease may slow its progression. Risk
factors for macular degeneration include advancing age along with genetic
predispositions, arteriosclerosis, hypertension and smoking.
Read more below...
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Visit their 'health concerns' department for Eye Health products.
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BotanicChoice.com
Indiana Botanic Gardens providing the largest selection of herbs, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, aromatherapy, essential oils, homeopathic remedies, and everything you need to boost your health. Their low prices and high quality keep your body and your budget healthy.
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In the last decade or so,
there is increasing research that oxidative factors and free radical damage
may play an important role in the development of AMD. It has been postulated
that treatment with high levels of antioxidants and other nutrients may slow
down and possibly reverse some of the effects of macular degeneration.
In a study published in
the Archives of Ophthalmology from 1988,
zinc
was found to have some beneficial effect in the treatment of macular degeneration.
In a subsequent study published in Archives of Ophthalmology from 1994, the
data suggested a protective effect for AMD with high levels of
vitamin E
along with an antioxidant index composed of ascorbic acid, vitamin E and
beta carotene.
Another study published by Seddon in JAMA (1994) indicated that certain carotenoids
lowered the risk of AMD by 43%, those specific carotenoids being
lutein
and zeaxanthin. The most dramatic effect was noted with lutein. Those people
taking approximately 6 mg of lutein per day had an amazing 57% lower risk
for AMD when compared to those whose consumption was lower (approximately
0.5 mg per day).
Bilberry extract
has been utilized for many years in Europe for the treatment of various eye
conditions, with some studies indicating that it may have beneficial effects
for various types of retinopathy, including diabetic retinopathy, retinitis
pigmentosa and macular degeneration. Additional nutrients that have been studied
and may have benefit for macular degeneration include rutin, flavanoids, taurine
and
magnesium.
Cataracts also seems to
be affected by oxidation. Cataracts develop when protein deposits form on
the lens of the eye, clouding vision. Common symptoms of cataracts include
blurred vision, glare, light sensitivity, frequent eyeglass prescription changes,
double vision in one eye, the need for brighter light to read, poor night
vision, and the appearance of faded or yellowed colors. Cataracts are extremely
common, and happen with most people as they age. They appear more frequently
in smokers and those with diabetes.
Several epidemiologic studies
indicated that patients with the lowest levels of
vitamins C,
E
and carotenoids in their blood were more likely to suffer cataract formation.
In one study published in 1997, in a large group of nurses ages 56 to 71,
those nurses with the highest intake of vitamin C had a 77% lower prevalence
of early lens opacities and an 83% lower prevalence of moderate cataracts
compared to women who did not use vitamin C supplementation.
A diet rich in antioxidants
(Vitamin E and Vitamin C especially) may help prevent or delay the formation
of cataracts, as oxidative damage appears to be a cause of their development.
Glaucoma is the name for
a group of diseases that can lead to optic nerve damage, ultimately resulting
in blindness if not treated. More than three million Americans suffer from
glaucoma. Often, glaucoma has progressed dramatically before it is noticed.
The best way to detect early glaucoma symptoms is through regular eye exams
and a test to determine how much pressure is being exerted on the eye.
The first noticeable symptom of glaucoma is usually "tunnel vision" – a lack
of vision of items that are not directly in front of the eyes. While not curable,
glaucoma can be treated via daily medication which helps lower pressure in
the eye, laser surgery to drain built-up fluid, or conventional surgery creating
a new opening from which fluid can drain. Several nutrients have been shown
to be of value in glaucoma, including magnesium, alpha lipoic acid, vitamins
C and
B12.
Nutrient Facts and Recommendations:
Since oxidative damage
of the eye can cause macular degeneration and/or cataracts, taking antioxidants
may lower the occurrence of these diseases. People with high levels of
Vitamin C,
Vitamin E,
and
Selenium
appear to have a 70% lower risk of developing macular degeneration.
-
Vitamin C
is the most commonly found antioxidant in the eyes. Since levels of Vitamin
C appear to decrease with age, supplements are recommended, and appear to
decrease the likelihood of developing cataracts. It also reduces elevated
pressure in the eye. It must be taken in large doses – often up to 20 grams
daily – and is not a cure for glaucoma.
-
Lutein,
an antioxidant found in spinach and kale, works extremely well in protecting
the retina against sunlight damage. Supplementation with 6 mg of Lutein
daily may decrease the occurrence of macular degeneration by more than 50%.
-
Zinc
is needed by the retina to create enzymes needed for vision. 80 mg of Zinc
daily may decrease vision loss rate in patients with macular degeneration.
-
Bilberry,
which is similar to blueberries, is high in anthocyanosides, which protect
they eye’s lens from oxidative damage. It also helps the eyes to better
adapt to both bright and low lighting. Bilberry contains compounds which
act as antioxidants in the retina, making it a possible preventive measure
for macular degeneration. It also strengthens capillaries in the retina
and reduces hemorrhaging.
-
A
B-Complex
vitamin
also
appears effective in protecting the eyes. Vitamin B2 deficiency has been
linked to the development of cataracts. When Vitamins B2 and B3 are taken
daily, the incidence of cataracts decreases.
-
Quercetin
helps to block the accumulation of sorbitol in the eye, and is especially
helpful in the prevention of cataracts in patients with diabetes.
-
Vitamin A,
a major source of Beta-carotene, has also been shown to reduce the risk
of cataracts. Lutein, a similar nutrient, acts in the same manner.
-
Alpha lipoic acid,
taken in a dose of 150 mg daily for 30 days, has been shown to improve vision
in patients with glaucoma.
(This article provided by VitaCost.com)
Wellness Plans for Eye Health
- Well balance diet emphasizing fresh fruits and vegetables
- Diet rich in antioxidants, especially Vitamin C and E
- Control potential health problem such as high blood pressure and diabetes
- Have you eye exam yearly
Recommended Supplements for Eye
Health (Click links above to purchase individual supplements from online
stores)
(Essential in
bold)
Read Related Links
on Eye
Health
-
Eye Diseases (General) - Great
resources links provided by the National Library of Medicine
-
Eye
Problem: Self-Care Flowcharts
- provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians
-
Saving Your Sight - Early Detection is Critical
- provided by the US Food and Drug Administration
-
How to Protect and Care for Your Eyes
- provided by the American Medical Women's Association
-
Frequently
Asked Questions About Low Vision
- information
provides by the National Eye Institute
-
The Visual System -publication
by The Eye Institute of the National Institute of Health
-
Healthy
Eating Tips- information
provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
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purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own
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contained herein for diagnosing or treating a problem or disease, or prescribing
any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding
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and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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