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”

Why Avoid Myopia? How to Reduce the Risk of Nearsightedness

Myopia or Nearsightedness often requires corrective lenses or glassesMyopia is one of the main reasons people start wearing glasses when they are young. Far objects are blurry, and close-up objects are clear when you are nearsighted or myopic. Did you know that lifestyle and daily habits can have a big impact on the development of myopia? Reducing the risk of myopia in children and teens is essential because this eye condition can lead to more serious eye problems. For example, it increases the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. Myopia can also strike adults. Avoiding corrective lenses entirely should be enough motivation to head off the problem. What can you do to help yourself and your family? Continue reading “Why Avoid Myopia? How to Reduce the Risk of Nearsightedness”

Sleep Is Fundamental for the Eyes, Brain and Overall Health

senior having trouble with sleepGetting enough sleep is crucial to your daily life and long-term health. However, many seniors struggle to get sufficient sleep. They also may have difficulty with the quality of sleep. What do the statistics show? How bad is sleep deprivation for your health? And what are some natural solutions?

Shocking Sleep Statistics

Sleep comes naturally. So why do we see these shocking sleep statistics? Continue reading “Sleep Is Fundamental for the Eyes, Brain and Overall Health”

Green Space Lowers Risk of Myopia

family playing in green spaceMyopia on the Rise

Lifestyle changes resulting in reduced outdoor activities coupled with rapid urbanization have been associated with a huge increase in nearsightedness (myopia) across many parts of the world. Indoor activities include concentrated near-work and digital device use which results in myopia.[1. Peng BA, Naduvilath TJ, Flitcroft DI, Jong M. Is myopia prevalence related to outdoor green space? Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2021 Nov;41(6):1371-1381]

Myopia now appears at earlier ages, and usually the earlier it appears, the deeper the person advances into nearsightedness. Increasingly strong lenses for distance vision are required as myopia progresses. Continue reading “Green Space Lowers Risk of Myopia”

Teen Myopia Increase Blamed on Electronics and Screens

teen myopia electronics screenSmartphones, computers, tablets, and televisions are being blamed for a sharp increase in teenagers’ need for eyeglasses in the United Kingdom. The number of teens who need glasses nearly doubled, from 20% in 2012 to 35% in just four years later.[1. Scrivens Opticians report, 2019] Myopia was the diagnosis for 66% of these teens. Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes distant objects look blurry. Excessive up-close focusing is a risk factor for developing myopia. Continue reading “Teen Myopia Increase Blamed on Electronics and Screens”

How to Minimize Your Glaucoma Risk

glaucoma simulation riskGlaucoma is a serious eye disease with many risk factors. Some risk factors are controllable; other risks are not. The main problems with glaucoma are late detection, permanent damage, and no cure. People who skip going to the eye doctor often notice no symptoms until glaucoma is well-established. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief.” Typically, are no eye symptoms until the person notices that peripheral vision is reduced. Glaucoma is not curable but with proper treatment often very manageable. Therefore, knowing your glaucoma risks and managing them can help prevent irreversible optic nerve damage. Continue reading “How to Minimize Your Glaucoma Risk”

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?”

Nanoparticle Eye Drops for Myopia and Hyperopia?

nanoparticle eye dropsIsraeli ophthalmologists are researching nanoparticle eye drops to treat near-sightedness (myopia) and far-sightedness (hyperopia). Scientists at Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Bar-Ilan University are working on a three-step process to correct the cornea. The treatment needs to be repeated every month or two. However, patients should be able to receive the treatment at home using a smartphone. Therefore, the treatment could be widely available and convenient. Continue reading “Nanoparticle Eye Drops for Myopia and Hyperopia?”

Outdoors Activity and Sunlight May Protect Against Myopia

sunlight and visionMyopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision problem. Evidence is starting to show that sunlight has special properties beneficial to vision health. Specifically, exposure to sunshine reduces the risk of developing nearsightedness at all ages. The quality of artificial light and nutrition also play roles. The world’s most natural remedy is sunlight. Find out how much you need to stay healthy. Continue reading “Outdoors Activity and Sunlight May Protect Against Myopia”

Acupuncture and Eye Disease: An Overview by Natural Eye Care

acupuncture and eye diseaseAcupuncture has been used for millennia to treat eye disease. Today, acupuncture can help preserve vision for those with a wide range of eye conditions including macular degeneration, glaucoma, eye floaters, dry eyes, cataracts and much more. Part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture involves a practitioner inserting tiny needles into the skin. It is licensed and regulated by most states in the US. How does acupuncture work, and what are its effects on supporting eye conditions? What could you expect from acupuncture treatments? What can you do at home?

Natural Eye Care owners Michael Edson, L.Ac. and Marc Grossman, OD, L.Ac are both licensed acupuncturists specializing in the eye; Dr. Grossman is also a Doctor of Optometry. Here are the answers to these questions and more. Continue reading “Acupuncture and Eye Disease: An Overview by Natural Eye Care”