Protect the Optic Nerve with Taurine, Bilberry, and More

eye and optic nerveSeveral nutrients and vitamins such as bilberry and taurine help protect the optic nerve from damage. Glaucoma causes optic nerve damage. Optic neuritis and optic nerve atrophy are serious conditions that harm the optic nerve. Since the optic nerve sends electrical signals from the eye to the brain, any interruption damages vision. How does the optic nerve work? Which diseases damage the optic nerve? What does the research show about how nutrients, foods, and vitamins protect the optic nerve? Taurine, gingko biloba, a fruit called bilberry, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B12 among others have demonstrated their usefulness. Continue reading “Protect the Optic Nerve with Taurine, Bilberry, and More”

Which Parts of the Eyes Are Associated with Which Eye Diseases?

eye anatomyThe eyes are small, but they have many parts including the eyelids, sclera, cornea, lens, optic nerve and retina. We depend heavily on our vision. When something goes wrong, the eyes are disproportionately affected. For example, a senior at risk of heart disease is also at risk of an ocular arterial or vein occlusion. Also, the macula requires a yellow-colored nutrient (lutein and zeaxanthin) found in certain vegetables such as green leafy vegetables, red, yellow and green peppers, corn and eggs. And antioxidants found in fresh fruits and vegetables have been shown to reduce oxidative eye damage and eye disease. Continue reading “Which Parts of the Eyes Are Associated with Which Eye Diseases?”

Green Tea, Antioxidants, and the Eyes: A Guide by Natural Eye Care

green teaA large body of research shows green tea is a “super-antioxidant” that benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eyes are highly vulnerable to oxidative stress, so any antioxidant could have ocular benefits. However, green tea contains polyphenols, potent antioxidants that also reduce inflammation. Catechins in green tea are highly absorbable by eye tissues, unlike many other antioxidants. What does the research into green tea and vision show? How much green tea do you need to get these benefits? If you do not like tea, is there an alternative? Continue reading “Green Tea, Antioxidants, and the Eyes: A Guide by Natural Eye Care”

How to Improve Your Vision Health

improve vision healthPeople who have advanced eye disease have waited too long to improve their vision health. Keeping the eyes health is a lifetime endeavor. An unhealthy lifestyle and poor nutrition lead to a higher risk of eye diseases. Researchers have linked cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, optic neuropathy, retinal vein occlusions, and other eye conditions to mostly-controllable risk factors. Seniors are especially at risk. Natural Eye Care offers this guide to improving vision health. Continue reading “How to Improve Your Vision Health”

Anti-Inflammatory Vision Diet for the Holidays

anti-inflammatory dining at the holidaysInflammation is a factor in many eye diseases, and what you eat affects inflammation. Whenever major holidays comes along, we are tempted to eat special foods. Many of these treats are high in calories and sugar, which contribute to inflammation. While you don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, you can choose to eat foods that are anti-inflammatory. At the end of this article, you will find tips for limiting the damage while still enjoying the holiday. Continue reading “Anti-Inflammatory Vision Diet for the Holidays”

Curcumin for Glaucoma, Uveitis, and Macular Degeneration

curcumin turmericCurcumin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory spice. Inflammation plays a role in many eye conditions, including uveitis, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Used for millennia in Indian cooking, curcumin is the main ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric gives mustard its yellow color.  When combined with black pepper, this spice is easier to absorb. You can use turmeric in cooking and take it as a supplement.

Uveitis Curcumin Study

Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the eye’s middle layer. Symptoms may include redness, floaters, sensitivity to light, Continue reading “Curcumin for Glaucoma, Uveitis, and Macular Degeneration”

How to Give Your Eyes Enough Nutrition

poor nutrition burger fries sodaHave you ever heard that your eyes need plenty of nutrition? It’s true, and research backs this up. But did you know that the Standard American Diet tends to be very low in some eye-essential nutrients? The eyes are the second most physiologically active part of our body (#1 is the brain). At Natural Eye Care, we believe the eyes require approximately 25% of the nutrients we take into our body, if we eat a healthy diet. Even though most Americans consume enough calories, we may still have poor nutrition for the eyes. No wonder Macular Degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve Continue reading “How to Give Your Eyes Enough Nutrition”

Smart Graphene Contact Lenses for Glaucoma and Diabetes Control

glaucoma diabetes smart contact lensesDiabetics and glaucoma patients could start wearing comfortable smart contact lenses to monitor blood sugar and intraocular pressure. Professor Jang-Ung Park and colleagues in South Korea[1. Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST). “‘Smart contact lens sensor’ for diabetic and glaucoma diagnosis.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 4 May 2017] have solved some of the problems associated with smart contact lenses by using graphene. They recently released a study documenting their breakthrough research. These biosensors may have broad applications for detecting and treating disease.

Why Smart Contact Lenses?

Tears can indicate glucose levels in the body. Insulin-dependent diabetics Continue reading “Smart Graphene Contact Lenses for Glaucoma and Diabetes Control”

Could Folate Prevent Glaucoma? (Vitamin B9, Folic Acid)

glaucomaThe eye disease glaucoma can be devastating to eyesight, so scientists are looking at risk factors such as folate intake. There are few good therapies once the disease sets in. Vitamins could potentially prevent glaucoma. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at folate intake and the risk of developing open-angle glaucoma, also called “pseudoexfoliation” or “exfoliation syndrome.”

Glaucoma mostly strikes the elderly. In open-angle glaucoma, a part of the eye does not drain correctly. Fluid builds up in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. Fluid pressure builds up in the eye. Glaucoma can Continue reading “Could Folate Prevent Glaucoma? (Vitamin B9, Folic Acid)”

Smartphone Safety for Better Sleep – Prevent Eye Damage and Eye Disease

eye disease smartphone before sleepSmartphones can damage the eyes and cause disturbed sleep. Therefore, Natural Eye Care has issued safety guidelines for smartphones. We have summarized research on how smartphone misuse could contribute to the onset of serious eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. Eye strain and discomfort from improper smartphone habits create unnecessary suffering. Night time smartphone use leads to poor sleep.

However, there is much you can do to prevent problems from smartphones. At the end of this article, you will find suggestions for how to use smartphones without damaging your eyes. Continue reading “Smartphone Safety for Better Sleep – Prevent Eye Damage and Eye Disease”