Oral Bacteria Could Lead to a Heart Attack and Eye Disease

a senior man rinsing out oral bacteria at the dentist's officeDid you know that periodontal disease and cavities are significant threats to oral health? In children, tooth decay is about five times more prevalent than asthma, and seven times more common than inhaled allergies. Adults lose teeth mostly from untreated periodontal disease. Untreated oral disease has resulted in 15% of people over the age of 65 having all their teeth removed.[1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral Health Surveillance Report: Dental Caries, Tooth Retention, and Edentulism, United States, 2017–March 2020. U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services; 2024.] Severe tooth loss resulting in fewer than 8 teeth remaining affects 26% of seniors.[2. Griffin SO, Griffin PM, Li C-H, Bailey WD, Brunson D, Jones JA. Changes in older adults’ oral health and disparities: 1999 to 2004 and 2011 to 2016. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2019;67(6):1152–1157.] Untreated tooth decay in permanent teeth plagues 53 million adults in America.[3. Benjamin RM. Oral health: the silent epidemic. Public Health Rep. 2010 Mar-Apr;125(2):158-9. doi: 10.1177/003335491012500202. PMID: 20297740; PMCID: PMC2821841.] Continue reading “Oral Bacteria Could Lead to a Heart Attack and Eye Disease”

Longevity: Keeping Your Body, Mind and Vision Healthy Longer

Aiming for longevity requires a balanced lifestyle.

Living a long, healthy life is not just about genetics or luck—it is about understanding how your daily choices, emotions, and even your gut health can influence your overall well-being. Modern science and ancient wisdom both highlight the deep connections between mind, body, and vision. In this article, we explore how emotions like anger, the health of your gut, and the balance of your body’s systems all play a crucial role in supporting longevity and protecting your eyesight. Whether you are aiming to stay sharp, energetic, and clear-sighted as you age or simply want to take a more holistic approach to your health, you will find practical insights and actionable tips to help you thrive for years to come.

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Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Sensitivities Linked to Vision Problems

Food allergy reaction to garlicAllergies to food can cause eye symptoms, but food allergies can also lead to vision problems. Grouped with food allergies are food intolerances and food sensitivities. While food allergies are an immune system reaction, intolerances and sensitivities are related to the digestive system. In this article, we discuss how individuals with these food issues need to protect their eyes from harm.

The Differences Between Food Allergies, Sensitivities, and Intolerances

Food allergies occur when the immune system produces an IgE-mediated response to specific proteins found in certain foods. In contrast, food intolerances and sensitivities are typically related to the digestive system’s inability to properly break down or process particular foods, rather than an immune reaction. Continue reading “Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Sensitivities Linked to Vision Problems”

Seasonal Allergies Lead to Red Eye, Orbital Cellulitis or Dry Eye Disease

allergies makes a woman sneeze in a field of flowers.Spring brings the revival of vibrant flowering plants and an increase in pollen and plant-related allergies. Seasonal allergies are also called allergic rhinitis and hay fever. Symptoms affect the eyes of an estimated 40–60% of allergy-prone individuals. Eye-related allergic reactions range from mild discomfort to severe cases that may impair visual function, significantly impacting quality of life. Common symptoms include red, itchy eyes, swollen sinuses, and excessive tearing. Allergic rhinitis is your immune system trying to protect you by reacting to a foreign substance. However, allergens such as pollen are not inherently harmful. Therefore, hay fever is an immune system overreaction that can make you feel miserable. Continue reading “Seasonal Allergies Lead to Red Eye, Orbital Cellulitis or Dry Eye Disease”

Blue Light and Macular Degeneration (AMD) Risk

blue light from too much screen time can harm the eyes including macular degenerationWe are exposed to blue light daily when we over-use computers, smartphones, tablets, and televisions. We also get blue light from the sun, and LED and fluorescent lights The risks associated with blue-light exposure increase with the duration of exposure. Therefore, take steps to keep your eyes safer. We will explain research on blue light and macular degeneration, and provide tips for reducing blue light exposure.

Blue Light Affects the Retina

New research links blue light and Macular Degeneration risk. Antioxidants can play an important role in protecting against the adverse effects of blue light exposure. Continue reading “Blue Light and Macular Degeneration (AMD) Risk”

Staying Hydrated for Better Health and Wellness

Senior Staying Hydrated by drinking waterStaying hydrated is an essential part of maintaining health. Drinking healthy fluids throughout the day helps the body detoxify and is critical in maintaining temperature control and proper blood viscosity. Seniors, in particular, generally do not drink enough water.

Why are we told to stay hydrated for our health? At Natural Eye Care, we care about the eyes and the body. Thus, keeping the body’s fluid balance is part of maintaining vision health. While 60% of the human body is composed of water, the eye is 98% water. Dehydration impairs the functioning of all systems in the body. Overhydration is also dangerous. In this article, we discuss the benefits of hydration, the deleterious effects of chronic dehydration, and how much water you need to drink. Continue reading “Staying Hydrated for Better Health and Wellness”

Macular Degeneration: Natural Approaches To Enhance Eye Wellness

Macular degeneration is also known as AMD, which is an acronym for “Age-Related Macular Degeneration.” It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Limited conventional treatments are available. However, natural remedies can go a long way toward reducing the risk of AMD onset. They can help prevent AMD from progressing to the point of vision loss. And, in many cases, lifestyle considerations and targeted supplementation can improve vision loss from AMD.

What is Macular Degeneration? 

AMD involves the gradual breakdown of cells in the macula, a small yellowish spot located near the center of the retina, which is crucial for sharp vision. This condition impacts central vision, affecting activities like reading, writing, driving, and recognizing faces. People with AMD may notice that straight lines appear distorted, clear shapes become fuzzy, lines look wavy, and a hazy area forms in the center of their vision. Typically, peripheral vision remains unaffected, except in severe cases where it can eventually lead to blindness.

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Homeopathy and the Eyes

homeopathy drops fro the eyesViewing the eyes from a comprehensive, interconnected perspective allows us to best support the health of our entire body, eyes, and brain. The entire body encompasses the connection between the mind, body, emotions, and spirit. This approach has served as a cornerstone of good health for millennia in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, as well as in more contemporary holistic practices like homeopathy and functional medicine. In this article, we will discuss homeopathy and best practices for eye support.
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New Homeopathic Eye Drops: Dryness, Redness, and Digital Eye Strain

Sunnie Dry Eye DropsHomeopathic eye drops are in high demand among people experiencing dry eye, redness, and digital eye strain. At Natural Eye Care, we are excited to announce that our website offers a new line of homeopathic eye drops from Sunnie. Several of our flagship eye drops for these issues are no longer available, but Sunnie has stepped in with these safe remedies.

Homeopathy is a natural form of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s healing processes. It’s based on the principle that ‘like treats like.’ These innovative products are a testament to our commitment to providing natural and effective solutions for your eye care needs. Continue reading “New Homeopathic Eye Drops: Dryness, Redness, and Digital Eye Strain”

How Are Hair Loss and Eye Conditions Connected?

Senior man and woman with hair lossHair loss is a prevalent concern, affecting both men and women. Surprisingly, there may be a connection between hair loss and eye conditions. This intriguing link stems from healthy vision being closely tied to overall bodily health. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension are associated with declining eye health. The root causes of many chronic conditions, such as incomplete nutrition and chronic inflammation, can damage hair and impede hair growth. Certain autoimmune diseases can cause alopecia. Both an underactive and overactive thyroid can cause hair loss and affect the eyes. Menopause impacts both the eyes and hair. In this article, we will explore androgenetic alopecia, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, eyelash loss (madarosis), menopause, diet and vitamin deficiencies, and insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Continue reading “How Are Hair Loss and Eye Conditions Connected?”