Cataracts – what’s new?

cataract surgeonCataracts can not only be prevented, but can even be reversed through nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle changes. Learn about products to support lens health.

Cataracts were once considered an inevitability for seniors. In the United States, only 10% of 55-year-olds have experienced cataracts. However, half of 75-year-olds have developed cataracts and at age 85, the number is 70%.[1. National Eye Institute. Cataracts. Retrieved Jan 7, 2018 from https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata/cataract.] Continue reading “Cataracts – what’s new?”

Macular Degeneration Glasses May Restore Vision: Pixium Vision’s Bionic PRIMA System Sees Improvements

pixium implant glasses for better visionPeople with vision loss due to retinal disease may be able to use a bionicĀ  system to improve sight in the near future. Pixium Vision is running a feasibility study on is PRIMA System, and they got better-than-expected results. The study is on patients with dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Currently, medical science cannot restore vision in those with retinal dystrophies. The PRIMA System may lead to vision restoration for patients with Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa and other retinal diseases. Continue reading “Macular Degeneration Glasses May Restore Vision: Pixium Vision’s Bionic PRIMA System Sees Improvements”

Why Astaxanthin Helps Prevent Sun Damage

Astaxanthin protects from sun damageAstaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that helps prevent sun damage to the body by blocking free radical damage. This bright red molecule forms in certain algae, pink seafood, and yeast. Unlike beta-carotene, this carotenoid crosses the blood-brain barrier to help maintain healthy brain function. Astaxanthin helps the brain by promoting neurogenesis, the generation of new brain neurons. This nutrient also supports existing neurons by reducing oxidative stress. Scientists have found that astaxanthin can protect against cumulative sun damage to the eye. This nutrient may help reduce the risk of eye disease such as macular degeneration. It may also protect against cataracts and vision loss from glaucoma. In addition, related carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin block blue light and work synergistically with astaxanthin. Continue reading “Why Astaxanthin Helps Prevent Sun Damage”

Halting Diabetic Retinopathy: Every Diabetic Patient’s Guide to Preserving Vision

diabetic retinopathyDiabetic retinopathy is a vision-stealing effect of diabetes. What causes diabetes, and how can you prevent it? Can diabetic patients prevent this eye disease? What can you do to halt diabetic retinopathy? How can patients preserve their vision?

Step 1: Don’t Get Diabetes

Avoiding Type 1 Diabetes is a virtual impossibility. Doctors do not know why the immune system attacks the pancreas. The underlying cause is typically genetic, but a trigger also seems to be needed. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in childhood and represents less than 10% of diabetic cases. Continue reading “Halting Diabetic Retinopathy: Every Diabetic Patient’s Guide to Preserving Vision”

Can Omega-7 Fish Oil Reduce Dry Eyes and Metabolic Syndrome?

chronic inflammation leads to metabolic syndromeScientists recently discovered a fat molecule that they called “palmitoleic acid”, a type of Omega-7 fatty acid. The substance appears to have special anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-7 occurs in certain fish oils and nuts. You may have heard of Omega-3 fatty acids, which come mostly from cold water fatty fish. Omega-3s reduce inflammation and heart disease risk. Omega-6 fatty acids occur in primarily in nuts and seeds, vegetable oil and grains. Omega-6 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats. Omega-7s are monounsaturated fats, similar to olive oil. How are these types of fats different? What makes palmitoleic acid so important for preventing Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome? Should you get them through food or supplements? How much should you take? Continue reading “Can Omega-7 Fish Oil Reduce Dry Eyes and Metabolic Syndrome?”

Glaucoma Study Finds Lower Intra-ocular Pressure from Mindfulness Meditation

meditation and glaucomaAccording to a small study published in the Journal of Glaucoma, a short course of mindfulness meditation reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The practice also normalized stress biomarkers and positively modified gene expression. Mindfulness meditation may be a therapeutic resource to reduce IOP and help glaucoma patients.

Continue reading “Glaucoma Study Finds Lower Intra-ocular Pressure from Mindfulness Meditation”

Low Antioxidant Levels Tied to Cataracts

cataract in one eyeA study conducted in North India found that people with low levels of antioxidants had higher levels of cataracts.[1. Dherani M, Murthy GV, Gupta SK, et al. Blood levels of vitamin C, carotenoids and retinol are inversely associated with cataract in a North Indian population. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2008;49(8):3328-35.] A meta-analysis in 2015 found that too little vitamin E increased the risk of developing cataracts.[2. Zhang, Y., Jiang, W., Xie, Z, Wu, W., Zhang, D. (2015). Vitamin E and risk of age-related cataract: a meta-analysis. Public Health Nutr, Oct;18(15):2804-14.] Diabetes and fluctuations in blood sugar levels are risk factors for cataracts. Cataracts are the leading cause of total blindness in the world. Whether you have access to cataract surgery or not, prevention is better than disease. Scientists have studied specific nutrients and their links to cataract formation. What can you do to help prevent cataracts? Which fruits, vegetables, and other foods reduce cataract risk? If you have already developed cataract, can you do anything? Continue reading “Low Antioxidant Levels Tied to Cataracts”

Avastin as Effective as Lucentis for Wet AMD

macular degeneration eyesA study, led by Dr. Daniel Martin, an ophthalmologist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, has found that the cancer drug Avastin (bevacizumab) offers macular degeneration patients the same benefits as the drug Lucentis (ranibizumab), which was specifically formulated to treat the disease. Continue reading “Avastin as Effective as Lucentis for Wet AMD”

Glaucoma Update: New Mirtogenol Formula for Eye Pressure

eye examMirtogenolĀ® has been shown to reduce eye pressure, which is a risk factor and symptom of glaucoma. A combination of bilberry extract and French maritime pine bark, Mirtogenol was the first nutrient combination shown to support healthy eye pressure. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the world. By reducing intra-ocular pressure (IOP), Mirtogenol naturally supports glaucoma. Glaucoma leads to irreversible optic nerve damage and vision loss. Dr. Marc Grossman, OD, L.Ac. and author of “Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing” has released a new Eye Pressure Support Ease Formula With Mirtogenol Plus. Continue reading “Glaucoma Update: New Mirtogenol Formula for Eye Pressure”

Phytonutrients for Your Eyes and Brain: Love Your Fruits and Vegetables

berries phytonutrients

Mother always told you to eat your fruits and vegetables – but why? Modern researchers are finding more and more about antioxidants for health. Scientists publish mountains of peer-reviewed research a year on antioxidants found in fruits and veggies. One type of antioxidant is called “phytonutrients.” Found in plant pigments, phytonutrients are especially good for the eyes and brain. How do phytonutrients slow the impact of aging and reduce disease risk? Which foods contain significant amounts of the best types of phytonutrients?

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