New Bilberry and Ginkgo Antioxidant Extract Formula from Dr. Marc Grossman

bilberry and gingkoNatural Eye Care has created a new antioxidant supplement, “Dr. Grossman’s Bilberry/Ginkgo Combination Wild Crafted Extract Formula” to help support vision health and circulation. These natural extracts contain powerful antioxidants that counteract free radicals. The formula is designed to help prevent cellular damage, and even reverse it. Many eye diseases, including macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, are rooted in cellular damage from free radicals.[1. Alpha-Lipoic Acid Antioxidant Treatment Limits Glaucoma-Related Retinal Ganglion Cell Death and Dysfunction,” June 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673940/] [2. Ophthalmic Res. 2010;44(3):191-8. doi: 10.1159/000316476. Epub 2010 Sep 9. “Free radicals, antioxidants and eye diseases: evidence from epidemiological studies on cataract and age-related macular degeneration.” Fletcher AE]

Bilberry for Vision

A relative of the blueberry, bilberry contains Continue reading “New Bilberry and Ginkgo Antioxidant Extract Formula from Dr. Marc Grossman”

What are the Best Sunglasses? The Truth About Eye Wear

sunglasses choicesEverywhere you look, sunglasses are for sale! Sunglasses are found in malls, street corner vendor stalls, drug stores, sports stores, and even supermarkets. Prices vary from $2 to $300. Did you know that a high percentage of the protecting effects advertised are mislabeled? How can you find a pair of sunglasses that really provides protection against the harmful effects of sunlight? Does a higher price mean the glasses are better?

Why Wear Sunglasses?

Sunlight is a nutrient, and it is essential for health. However, certain light rays have been shown to have a damaging effect on the eye. Specifically, ultra-violet A (320-400nm), ultra-violet B (286-320nm), and blue light (400-500nm) are suspect. Excessive Continue reading “What are the Best Sunglasses? The Truth About Eye Wear”

Antioxidants, Eye Disease and Oxidative Stress

antioxidant foodsThe links between antioxidants and vision health are strong. Antioxidants are the antidote to oxidization. Normal metabolism creates free radicals. These are atoms that lack an electron. Free radicals roam about the body, scavenging electrons and stealing electrons from healthy cells.  This results in permanent damage to these afflicted cells which ultimately can result in disease. Significant research has shown that antioxidants protect against this cellular damage and are essential for maintaining health. The eye is especially vulnerable to free radical damage. Therefore, providing the body with sufficient antioxidants Continue reading “Antioxidants, Eye Disease and Oxidative Stress”

Eye Drops Instead of Injections for ARMD and Diabetic Retinopathy

eye drops for macular degenerationEye drops may soon replace gene therapy injections for Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy. [1. “Facile Noninvasive Retinal Gene Delivery Enabled by Penetratin” by Chang Liu, Kuan Jiang, Lingyu Tai, Yu Liu, Gang Wei, Weiyue Lu, and Weisan Pan. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2016, 8 (30), pp 19256–19267 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b04551 Publication Date (Web): July 11, 2016] Delivering drugs to the back of the eye currently requires an invasive injection. The associated discomfort discourages many patients from consenting to this type of treatment. The new delivery technique is special eye drops that gently make their way to the back of the eye.

Excessive blood vessel growth is damaging to the Continue reading “Eye Drops Instead of Injections for ARMD and Diabetic Retinopathy”

Age-Proofing Your Eyes to Preserve Vision

senior anti-ageingWhile Americans spend billions of dollars each year on how they LOOK, little attention is given to how they SEE. Seniors are especially vulnerable to eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts, as well as hypertension-related eye damage such as retinal vein occlusion.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology issued guidelines on aging and the eye as a result of its 2015 Eye-Q© Survey[1. American Academy of Ophthalmology https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/remember-your-eyes-when-it-comes-to-fighting-the-signs-of-aging-300138352.html] (updated with 2016 data).

Here is a summary of their recommendations.

Continue reading “Age-Proofing Your Eyes to Preserve Vision”

Keep Your Eyes Young and Healthy: Avoid Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma

elderly vision preservationAs we age, our chances of developing a serious vision problem increase significantly. More than half of people over the age of 70 years old have an eye condition such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration; people with diabetes often develop diabetic retinopathy. These limiting conditions decrease the quality of life. Being a retired senior means having time to enjoy life, read, travel, play golf, enjoy hobbies, and socialize with friends and family. However, participating in these activities requires clear vision.

We can learn to help preserve our vision and to become active Continue reading “Keep Your Eyes Young and Healthy: Avoid Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma”

Preserving Vision Naturally Through Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicineChinese Medicine can support eye health and help preserve vision. This traditional modality is helpful for people looking to reduce the risk developing eye disease and maintain healthy vision. Additionally, patients with existing eye conditions such as chronic dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and eye floaters can benefit from Traditional Chinese Medicine as part of their treatment plan.

Chinese medicine includes the use of acupuncture, herbs, as well as Tui Na (massage therapy), Gui Sha (skin scraping), and Qigong (physical exercises and breathing techniques). Acupuncture involves tiny, disposable needles painlessly inserted at certain points on the body. Continue reading “Preserving Vision Naturally Through Chinese Medicine”

The Effects of Exercise on Vision Health: Glaucoma, Cataracts, AMD and Others

exercise for vision healthEye health is important for quality of life. Regular exercise has many significant benefits, including supporting healthy vision. This is especially true for seniors, who are most at risk for eye disease. While you cannot control all risk factors, sedentary behavior is a risk factor you CAN control. Avoiding tobacco and eating a healthy diet are also under your control. Genetics have an influence: a much higher percentage of African Americans have vision loss from glaucoma; non-Hispanic Whites top the charts in Age-Related Macular Degeneration vision loss[1. https://www.aao.org/eye-disease-statistics ].

Exercise reduces oxidative stress, a significant factor in the development of eye Continue reading “The Effects of Exercise on Vision Health: Glaucoma, Cataracts, AMD and Others”

Macular Edema: A Complete Overview by Natural Eye Care

macular edema in the elderlyMacular edema is a swelling of the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. When fluid builds up in the macula, it becomes swollen and thicker. This distorts vision. There are several causes, including diabetic retinopathy, post-eye surgery complications, macular degeneration, injury, systemic inflammatory diseases that can affect the eye, and/or vein blockages. If an eye disease causes damage to blood vessels in the retina, it can cause macular edema. Left untreated, this problem can cause serious vision loss and even blindness.

An eye doctor will direct your care should macular Continue reading “Macular Edema: A Complete Overview by Natural Eye Care”

Stem Cells for Macular Degeneration

Stem cells are the area of greatest potential in current medicine. They can turn into any tissue in the body and can therefore conceivably be used for treatment of countless diseases. Previous research and trials currently taking place use embryonic stem cells, however, their use is ethically controversial and carries the risk of rejection by a patient’s tissues. Of great interest is the developing technology in stem cells for macular degeneration.

OpRegen Stem Cell Technology Shows Promise for Macular Degeneration

stem cells for macular degenerationCell Cure Neurosciences in Jerusalem has developed a proprietary stem cell technology that may halt the progress of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. OpRegen[1. https://www.cellcureneurosciences.com/] is currently being tested on patients with the more advanced “wet” form of this disease. If it works out, the technique could ultimately be available to patients with the more common “dry” form of Continue reading “Stem Cells for Macular Degeneration”