Category: Macular Degeneration

Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Meso-Zeaxanthin – An Update

Your Eyes Benefit from Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-zeaxanthin

food high in Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Meso-zeaxanthinLutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants found in green leafy vegetables, eggs, corn and even chocolate. They have a profound effect on preserving healthy vision, brain function, the immune and cardiovascular systems.

New research is focusing less on the well-established understanding of local benefit from nutrients, e.g. lutein for macular degeneration or cataract, and more on its systemic benefits affecting the immune system, the brain and cognitive function, the eye, cancer, and cardiovascular health.[1. Buscemi S, Corleo D, Di Pace F, Petroni ML, Satriano A, Marchesini G. The Effect of Lutein on Eye and Extra-Eye Health. Nutrients. 2018 Sep 18;10(9):1321.] In addition, new research is focused on the “why” of the benefit of these carotenoids.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness. Our retina is abundantly supplied with oxygen but repeated or prolonged exposure to light, especially UV and blue light, decreases long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as omega-3s) in the retina, increases certain molecular bonds (lipid conjugated dienes), and degrades the photoreceptors and retina.[2. Johra FT, Bepari AK, Bristy AT, Reza HM. (2020). A Mechanistic Review of β-Carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin in Eye Health and Disease. Antioxidants (Basel). Oct 26;9(11):1046.]

Accumulated exposure to UV and blue light can cause accumulation of free radicals, oxidative stress, accelerate vision loss, and hasten breakdown of photoreceptor cells which are essential for vision. Continue reading “Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Meso-Zeaxanthin – An Update”

Microcurrent Stimulation for Eye Disease (and more)

microcurrent stimulationMicrocurrent Stimulation treatment protocols are designed to help people with retinal disease. MCS works by supporting nourishment and healing to the back of the eyes as well as possibly some cell regeneration. Retinal tissue is easily the most complex tissue in the entire body, and we tell people that they need to commit to regular treatment for a year, because it may take up to a year before they first see results, though benefits may be seen much sooner.

A number of research studies have suggested that daily use of specific microcurrent stimulation helps promote retinal (as well as optic nerve health) in 3 different ways: Continue reading “Microcurrent Stimulation for Eye Disease (and more)”

Gut Microbiota, Vision, and Mental Health

gut microbes and dietDid you know that how well your gut works is directly related to your healthy vision and your healthy brain?

Healthy gut microbiota function is linked to normal central nervous system (CNS) function. The microbiota is defined as all microorganisms in a particular location, such as the GI tract, and their respective genetic material. The microbiome is initially developed transmission through the placenta, amniotic fluid, and meconium. The human gut microbiota comprises more than 100 trillion microorganisms associated with multiple functions, from nutrient metabolism to protection against pathogens. Continue reading “Gut Microbiota, Vision, and Mental Health”

The Sun and Your Eyes: Enemy or Friend?

Does Sunlight Danger Outweigh the Benefits?

Many studies demonstrate that exposure to sunlight provides protection to diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and a variety of cancers, and avoiding sunlight may influence their progression.[1. Razzaque MS. (2018). Sunlight exposure: Do health benefits outweigh harm? J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. Jan;175:44-48.]  It has been thought that these protections are due only to vitamin D, whose creation requires sunlight, but researchers are now reporting that circadian clock influencing, immune response modification, and nitric oxide, melatonin, and serotonin formation are involved as well.[2. Van der Rhee HJ, de Vries E, Coebergh JW. (2016). Regular sun exposure benefits health. Med Hypotheses. Dec;97:34-37.] In fact, researchers are finding that the risk of skin cancer increases with irregular patterns of sun exposure, while regular patterns convey relatively lower risk.  This is the difference between getting sunburned versus a brisk daily walk in the sunlight.

But too much sunlight is harmful to both eyes and skin. We know that getting sunburned increases skin cancer risk. Our vision is also directly negatively impacted by the sun and ultraviolet radiation (UVR), as well as blue light from computer screens. Continue reading “The Sun and Your Eyes: Enemy or Friend?”

Melatonin: More than a Sleep Aid

What is Melatonin?

melatonin and sleepingMelatonin is a hormone primarily released by the pineal gland at night, and has long been associated with control of the sleep–wake cycle. It is typically taken at night before bedtime as a supplement. In addition to melatonin’s application as a sleep aid, this supplement can also be used for lowering eye pressure — such as in cases of open angle glaucoma or glaucoma suspects.  Research shows melatonin may also protect the eye’s macula by supporting the functioning of the mitochondria, the tiny “batteries” in each cell. Alzheimer’s disease appears to be linked to poor quality sleep and melatonin production; therefore, melatonin may prove to be a useful supplement and research is underway. Keep reading for details plus information about supplements available on this website.

What Can Melatonin Help?

Insomnia

Melatonin is best known for helping us get to sleep. It is secreted by the pineal gland, acting as the body’s biochemical signal of biological darkness. In other words, our bodies biochemistry signals that you are ready for sleep. Blue light suppresses production of melatonin [1. Gooley JJ, Chamberlain K, Smith KA, Khalsa SB, Rajaratnam SM, et al. (2011). Exposure to Room Light before Bedtime Suppresses Melatonin Onset and Shortens Melatonin Duration in Humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Mar;96(3):E463-72.] to a surprisingly profound degree.[2. Vartanian GV, Li BY, Chervenak AP, Walch OJ, Pack W, et al. (2015). Melatonin Suppression by Light in Humans Is More Sensitive Than Previously Reported. J Biol Rhythms. Aug;30(4):351-4.]

If you are exposed to blue light right before bedtime (e.g. checking your email one more time), it throws off the internal rhythm that allows you to get adequate sleep. Nearly 75% of children now use some sort of electronic device in their bedroom. The use of these devices markedly impacts sleep quality, which in turn, contributes to social adjustment problems, behavioral problems in school and at home, and surprisingly, weight gain.

Similarly, it has been found that sleeping in a room that is not dark, also disrupts sleep, or makes it less effective in reducing fatigue and alleviating the accumulated stress of the day. Most studies found that exposure to light in the room, during sleep, reduces melatonin production by 50%.

While most research on the effects of smartphones on sleep and circadian rhythms have involved children and teens, adults are also adversely impacted. One Flemish study included more than 800 adults, 50% of whom owned smartphones, and 60% of whom used their smartphone during the night. Nighttime phone use and texting at night markedly increased how long it took to fall asleep and markedly decreased the quality, duration, and efficiency of sleep. In younger adults, nighttime electronic-device use was tied to more fatigue and later rising time. In older adults, it was associated with shorter sleep duration and earlier rise time.[3. Exelmans L, Van den Bulck J. (2016). Bedtime mobile phone use and sleep in adults. Soc Sci Med. Jan;148:93-101.]

Recommended dosage is 1mg–3mg before bedtime.

Supports the Immune System

Melatonin plays a dual role in supporting the immune system, at least partially because it helps promote glutathione levels in the body, an essential master antioxidant.  It communicates with the immune system and influences white blood cells to fight infections and inflammation. Lowered levels of the super antioxidant glutathione[4. Glutathione is actually the antioxidant found in greatest quantity in the brain and found to be deficient in the brains of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients.] are present in “clinical conditions like autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, diabetes, and microbial infections”[5. NaveenKumar SK, Hemshekhar M, Jagadish S, Manikanta K, Vishalakshi GJ, et al. (2020). Melatonin restores neutrophil functions and prevents apoptosis amid dysfunctional glutathione redox system. J Pineal Res. Oct;69(3):e12676.] which are characterized by white blood cells. In other words, melatonin protects white blood cells from free radicals by supporting normal glutathione levels.

Lowers Eye Pressure

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is usually lowest at night, which is also when natural levels of melatonin are near their high in the circadian cycle. IOP is highest in the morning when melatonin is low. There seems to be a correlation between IOP and melatonin; supplementing with melatonin may lower IOP. [6. Samples, J.R., Krause, G., Lewy, A.J. (1988). Effect of melatonin on intraocular pressure. Curr Eye Res. Jul;7(7):649-53.] [7. Alkozi HA, Navarro G, Franco R, Pintor J. (2020). Melatonin and the control of intraocular pressure. Prog Rentin Eye Res. Mar;75:100798.]

Protects the Macula

Melatonin also protects the macula, the center part of the retina which is responsible for your central vision needed for close-up work such as reading. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the loss of central vision and is caused by deterioration of the macula. A combination of melatonin (3mg), zinc (8.7mg), and selenium (50 mcg), taken before bedtime, helps stabilize AMD with some remarkable improvement in the fundus of the eye after taking the combination for 6 months. [8. Stefanova NA, ZHdankina AA, Fursova AZ, Kolosova NG. (2013). Potential of melatonin for prevention of age-related macular degeneration: experimental study (in Russian). Adv Gerontol. 2013;26(1):122-9.] [9. Yi C, Pan X, Yan H, Guo M, Pierpaoli W. (2005). Effects of melatonin in age-related macular degeneration. Ann N Y Acad Sci. Dec;1057:384-92.]

Supports Mitochondrial Functioning

A 2020 review proposed that melatonin protects the macula by supporting mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the “energy-producers” of cells, and are essential for cellular health. As we age DNA repair functions, antioxidant activity, and lack of mitochondrial renewal lead to significant increase in free radicals. These changes cause inflammation and premature cell death in the retinal pigmented cells that protect the retina and macula.[10. Mehrzadi S, Kemati K, Reiter RJ, Hosseinzadeh A. (2020). Mitochondrial dysfunction in age-related macular degeneration: melatonin as a potential treatment. Expert Opin Ther Targets. Apr;24(4):359-378.]

Helps Night Vision

Photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells “mRGC”) release melanopsin which affects pupil dilation and adaption and suppresses melatonin[10. Bonmati-Carrion MA, Arguelles-Prieto R, Martinez-Madrid MJ, Reiter R, Hardeland R, et al. (2014). Protecting the melatonin rhythm through circadian healthy light exposure. In J Mol Sci. Dec 17;15(12):23448-500.] between dark and bright light (such as recovery after glare of an oncoming car headlights).

Melanopsin’s presence in retinal nerve cells is linked to reduced levels of melatonin and the relationship may be involved in poor night vision. At night, melatonin is secreted by rod and cone photoreceptors, functioning as a dark adaptive signal and it, in turn, modulates these photoreceptors.[11. Pack, W., Hill, D.D., Wong, K.Y., (2015). Melatonin modulates M4-type ganglion-cell photoreceptors. Neuroscience, Sep 10;303:178-88.]

Aids Alzheimer’s Disease Issues

Melatonin may be a useful agent in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD).  Classic markers of AD include the build-up of beta amyloid plaque, as well as excessive tau protein resulting in neurofibrillary fiber build-up.[12. This is discussed in detail, along with other underlying factors and causes including natural treatment strategies, in my book Natural Brain Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Other Related Diseases Naturally.]

The production of melatonin runs parallel to AD progression. Quality of sleep is dependent upon melatonin, and it appears to be a safe and effective treatment for AD patients with sleep dysfunction.[13. Wang YY, Zheng W, Ng CH, Ungvari GS, Wei W, et al. (2017). Meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of melatonin in Alzheimer’s disease. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. Jan;32(1):50-57.] Melatonin stimulates non amyloidogenic processing and inhibits beta amyloid precursor protein processing which culminates in amyloid aggregates – a neuroprotective function in AD pathology.[14. Shukla M, Govitrapong P, Boontem P, Reiter RJ, Satayavivad J. (2017). Mechanisms of Melatonin in Alleviating Alzheimer’s Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2017;15(7):1010-1031.] It decreases AD-like tau hyperphosphorylation, protects the cholinergic system and is anti-inflammatory. It may be a useful agent in preventing and treating AD.[15. Lin L, Huang QX, Yang SS, Chu J, Wang JZ, et al. (2013). Melatonin in Alzheimer’s disease. Int J Mol Sci. Jul 12;14(7):14575-93.] Weak melatonin signaling (melatonin receptor type 1A gene) appears to contribute to the cascade of AD pathology.[16. Sulkaya S, Muggalla P, Sulkava R, Ollila HM, Peuralinna T, et al. (2018). Melatonin receptor type 1A gene linked to Alzheimer’s disease in old age. Sleep. Jul;41(7):zsy103.]

Recommended Products

NEW – Dr. Grossman’s REM Sleep Support (sublingual) Formula – great sublingual night-time formula with melatonin, and a range of other nutrients to promote a good night’s sleep.

ACG Glutathione EXTRA STRENGTH Spray 2oz. – 6-12 sprays by mouth 2 times per day.

Melatonin (50) MZS 60 x 3mg Tabs, Dr. Pierpaoli –  50 3mg tabs with zinc and selenium

Back in Stock! Dr. Grossman’s Blood Vessel Control Formula


blood vesselsThe structures in the back of the eye are supported by a complex array of capillaries and larger blood vessels. One reason why the body may try to grow new blood vessels (referred to as angiogenesis) is if these blood vessels are at all impaired, reducing the body’s ability to deliver blood, oxygen and essential nutrients to the back of the eyes, as well as effectively eliminate normal waste. Another reason may be lack of available essential nutrients for retinal and optic nerve support possibly due to a poor diet, lack of exercise, digestive issues or inflammatory conditions for example.

When any of the above occurs, over time, the body will try to compensate by growing new blood vessels in the back of the eyes. Unfortunately, the quality of these blood vessels is poor and therefore leak fluids into the retina, which is often treated conventionally with eye injections which may be essential, but no treatments are offered long time to try to address the underlying problem.

Diabetic Retinopathy and Wet Macular Degeneration are two examples of eye conditions that can lead to the growth of unwanted blood vessels. These vessels cause serious damage to vision. Macular Edema can lead to blood vessel leakage, which also harms the eye, particularly if not treated. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms or has been diagnosed with an eye disease should work closely with their eye doctor on restoring their health. Additionally, Dr. Marc Grossman’s Blood Vessel Control Formula can be added as a complementary component to help control unwanted blood vessels growth.

These herbs also have many other health and vision support benefits as well as described below.
Continue reading “Back in Stock! Dr. Grossman’s Blood Vessel Control Formula”

Effect of Stress on Our Eyes & Health

stressors such as covid fear trigger the fight or flight responseOur bodies are designed to handle stressful situations, referred to as the “flight or fight” mode, wherein when we need to quickly react, the body goes into action and produces hormones that stimulate the adrenal system, raise cortisol levels, and gets our muscles instantly ready to go. Once that situation is resolved, our body has the remarkable ability to return back to homeostasis or normal balance quickly.

But modern-day life may keep one in flight or fight readiness too often. This may be due to ongoing work pressure, relationship and money issues, or the stress related to COVID-19. Chronic stress can, over time, overwork the adrenal system resulting in fatigue and poor circulation.  In turn, fatigue and poor circulation limit the ability of the body to deliver essential nutrients to the eyes.

Continue reading “Effect of Stress on Our Eyes & Health”

Herbs that Fight Abnormal Microbleeding in Macular Degeneration & Diabetic Eye Disease

retinal bleeding from diabetic retinopathy or macular degenerationMacular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy have something in common. Although the indirect causes may be different, a consequence of untreated AMD or untreated diabetes is similar. Untreated, both conditions may result in macular microbleeding, in which abnormal capillaries develop (angiogenesis) that leak fluid or blood into the retina. A holistic approach may reduce the risk of the development of abnormal blood vessels bleeding into the retina and destroying vision

Why Angiogenesis is a Problem

Let’s consider dry and wet (advanced) macular degeneration. AMD is basically a form of “starvation of the retina,” particularly the age-related form, in which essential nutrients are not reaching their target. Insufficient delivery can be due to some combination of a poor diet, lack of exercise, issues with absorption, poor circulation, candida, or chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Since the function of blood is to deliver oxygen and nutrients, one might reasonably think that growing new blood vessels would improve the ‘starvation’ issue, and that would be the intention of angiogenesis, but it’s not quite that simple. Angiogenesis occurs in an effort to deliver deficient nutrients to the retina, but unfortunately, these blood vessels are poor in quality and end up leaking. They also distort the delicate structure of the macula.

Continue reading “Herbs that Fight Abnormal Microbleeding in Macular Degeneration & Diabetic Eye Disease”

How to Slow Macular Degeneration Progression

Researchers have found that certain supplement combinations actually modify how genes and proteins affect the behavior of white blood cells in the retina. They are investigating the reasons why certain supplements are helpful against macular degeneration. The answer may be that compounds in the supplements regulate the white blood cells (macrophage phenotypes).[1. Rinsky B, Hagbi-Levi S, Elbaz-Hayoun S, Grunin M, Chowers I. (2017). Characterizing the Effect of Supplements on the Phenotype of Cultured Macrophages From Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Mol Vis. Dec 6;23:889-899.]

Seniors in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can become desperate to slow down the eye disease’s progression. The eye doctor typically suggests quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, and getting regular eye exams.

Continue reading “How to Slow Macular Degeneration Progression”

The Eye Exam: A New Look by Dr. Grossman – 2020 Vision

eye exam of a senior citizenGetting a thorough eye exam has always been about more than reading letters off an eye chart. That is even truer today. One reason: We are harder on our eyes than ever before. Many of us spend hours each day staring and squinting at screens, developing digital eyestrain, and exposing our eyes to potentially damaging blue light.

But the typical tests offered during a standard eye exam may not go far enough to find problems as early as possible. Even a basic dilated eye exam may not be enough. Continue reading “The Eye Exam: A New Look by Dr. Grossman – 2020 Vision”