Eye Tests Show Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease

parkinsons diseaseAlzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease may appear first in the eye, possibly years before the first clear symptoms of the either disease appear. This offers hope of detecting two devastating and common diseases in their earliest stages. Damage from these brain and central nervous system diseases may prove very difficult to reverse. Detecting these illnesses, which impact mostly the elderly, as early as possible could mean treatments that slow the diseases’ progress and preserve functioning. Several recent studies on the eye hold promise of reliable early detection, routine screening and therefore, early intervention.

Alzheimer’s Disease and the Eyes

A form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease gradually diminishes Continue reading “Eye Tests Show Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease”

Glaucoma Risk Reduction from Leafy Green Vegetables

leafy-greens-200A large study found that people who ate enough leafy greens had a lower risk of getting primary open-angle glaucoma. A large body of research show the positive impact that good nutrition has on vision health. Eating sufficient amounts of vegetables provides the body with important nutrients.

The eye is made from nutrients. Leafy green vegetables are loaded with vitamin K, magnesium, iron, calcium, beta-carotene, carotenoids and other antioxidants, and the eye nutrients lutein Continue reading “Glaucoma Risk Reduction from Leafy Green Vegetables”

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”

Dry Eyes Respond Best to Specific Type of Omega-3 Fish Oils

fish oil supplement for dry eyeFor dry eyes, not all fish oils supplements are the same. A recent study found that re-esterified triglyceride omega-3 fatty acids were superior for tackling dry eye symptoms. The triglyceride form is similar but more economical than the re-esterified triglyceride form.

Omega 3 fatty acids occur naturally in fish. These antioxidants have been shown to have significant across-the-board health benefits. Our bodies are not capable of Continue reading “Dry Eyes Respond Best to Specific Type of Omega-3 Fish Oils”

Glaucoma Tips Based on Current Research Studies

stop glaucomaLifestyle can have a significant impact on the progression of glaucoma. Patients should follow their ophthalmologist’s advice. Also, research has shown that certain behavioral changes can help preserve vision. Natural Eye Care offers these tips.

Get Moving to Fight Glaucoma

If you are sedentary and have a glaucoma diagnosis, you can expect strong benefits from becoming active. A meta analysis[1. Clin J Sport Med. 2014 Sep;24(5):364-72. doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000073. Reductions in intraocular pressure after acute aerobic exercise: a meta-analysis. By Roddy G et. al.] showed that exercise reduced intraocular pressure in patients. The effect was largest on those who were sedentary Continue reading “Glaucoma Tips Based on Current Research Studies”

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”

Lenses with Cataract Regenerated Using Stem Cells

eyeball normal vs cataract lensA breakthrough operation has regenerated the lenses of 12 children using stem cells. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens that typically occurs in the elderly. It is the leading cause of blindness (left untreated).

Standard treatment of cataracts is inserting an artificial intraocular lens. However, this requires waiting until the cataracts “ripen”, or cataract surgery is often recommended Continue reading “Lenses with Cataract Regenerated Using Stem Cells”

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”

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Linked to Low Antioxidant Intake

macular degeneration antioxidant intakeLow antioxidant levels in eye tissue are directly correlated to incidence of macular degeneration. A small study found a relationship between low intake of antioxidants and advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Macular Degeneration is an eye disease associated with aging. Many middle-aged and elderly individuals seek to prolong good vision and prevent eye disease.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

This study looked at low intake of antioxidants with specific focus on lutein and zeaxanthin. Antioxidants fight free-radical damage. They protect the eyes and body from damage due to free radicals. Their intake was measured by the amount of fruits and vegetables consumed. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids especially important for vision.  They are found in some brightly-colored produce and other foods such as eggs. Carotenoids give fruits and vegetables their color. Continue reading “Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Linked to Low Antioxidant Intake”