February: Macular Degeneration Awareness Month

February- Macular Degeneration Awareness MonthThis month, we’re focusing on understanding macular degeneration and the importance of early detection. We will explore natural approaches to manage this eye disease and support healthy vision.

Macular Degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss, primarily affecting central vision, and can lead to blindness if not properly managed. The macula is a yellowish spot at the center of the retina, where vision is sharpest. While genetics can play a role, macular degeneration often appears in those over 50 due to essential nutrients not reaching the eyes, particularly the retina. Factors like a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, reduced nutrient absorption, certain medication side-effects, and health issues such as poor circulation and chronic inflammation can contribute to this condition.

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Neuroinflammation and Glaucoma: Bridging Brain Health and Vision

Nuts to reduce NeuroinflammationNeuroinflammation is inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. It’s a defensive response to injury, infection, or illness. Neuroinflammation is beneficial after, for example, a spinal cord injury.[1. DiSabato DJ, Quan N, Godbout JP. Neuroinflammation: the devil is in the details. J Neurochem. 2016 Oct;139 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):136-153. doi: 10.1111/jnc.13607. Epub 2016 May 4. PMID: 26990767; PMCID: PMC5025335.] However, chronic inflammation is a significant contributing factor to disease onset. Researchers are concerned that an inflamed brain and spinal cord can lead to disease in the brain and eyes. The optic nerve and retina, for example, are neural tissue. In this article, we look at the links between neuroinflammation and two eye conditions: glaucoma and thinning of the cornea.  We also examine research on neurodegeneration, deteriorating brain health, and a compromised blood-brain barrier. And, we list some nutrients that help reduce neuroinflammation.

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Oxidative Stress and Its Impact on Health and Vision

Oxidative Stress and Its Impact on Health and VisioOxidative stress significantly affects health and vision. It is a process in which free radicals are produced, leading to potential harm as these unstable molecules steal electrons from healthy cells. This oxidative damage can manifest visibly as aging skin and ocular changes, such as cataract formation. However, oxidation is not the only factor contributing to accelerated aging and eye conditions; poor circulation and insufficient essential nutrients also play important roles.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a major external factor that promotes oxidation. Continuous exposure to sunlight without protective eyewear can increase oxidative damage in the eyes over time. This exposure can harm retinal cells and may lead to various eye conditions, including macular degeneration. Therefore, protecting the eyes from UV rays is crucial for maintaining eye health.

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Regulate Intraocular Pressure Naturally: Fight Glaucoma

berries for glaucomaGlaucoma is a severe eye disease linked to high intraocular pressure. How can you regulate eye pressure?  If you have a glaucoma diagnosis, the eye doctor often prescribes eye drops to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). Is there anything additional that you can do to help keep your IOP lower?

Addressing glaucoma and the risk of glaucoma primarily involves maintaining normal intraocular pressure and nourishing the optic nerves. (If you have low-tension glaucoma, circulation to the eye is crucial.) In our previous article, we explored essential nutrients that support optic nerve health.

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Prevent and Support Glaucoma: The Silent Thief

Glaucoma- The Silent ThiefJanuary is Glaucoma Awareness Month—a time to shed light on an eye disease that is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the US. Seniors are especially at risk. Glaucoma, often dubbed “the silent thief,” primarily impacts peripheral vision. Severe and untreated cases can lead to blindness. This stealthy eye disease can progress unnoticed until it is quite advanced, making early detection vital. While it predominantly affects older adults, glaucoma can occur at any age, underscoring the importance of regular, comprehensive eye exams. Find out about symptoms, screening, causes, and nutrients that fight glaucoma.

Glaucoma Facts

In the United States, around 4.22 million individuals are affected by glaucoma, with 1.49 million experiencing vision impairment due to the condition. 

It’s estimated that 2.4 million people in the country have glaucoma that remains undiagnosed and untreated.  Continue reading “Prevent and Support Glaucoma: The Silent Thief”

Reduce Holiday Stress: Tips for Your Body and Mind

Holiday Cheer From Natural Eye CareMerry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Heri za Kwanzaa to all! The holiday season means celebrating and feasting with family and friends. However, the holidays can also stress out your body and mind. Natural Eye Care offers these health tips for the holiday season.

Healthy Eating Habits

  • Moderate the amounts of food you eat at one time. Eat slowly and pay attention to the savory taste. Be sure to chew. Avoid overeating.
  • Enjoy your desserts, but do not overindulge. Instead, first fill up with veggies and salad. Vegetables are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and high in fiber. They fill you up, which helps prevent overeating. Try to fill half your plate with veggies and protein. 

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Corneal Health: Best Ways to Help Your Eyes

Corneal HealthThe cornea plays a crucial role in our vision. It is the transparent tissue at the front of the eyeball where light enters the eye. Approximately 65% to 75% of the refraction of light occurs in the cornea. The cornea also protects against external threats and harmful UV radiation. However, this vital part of our eye is constantly under siege. The cornea faces oxidative stress daily due to its high exposure to light and intense metabolic activity. The main culprit is ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which triggers the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These harmful free radicals can wreak havoc on the cells if not kept in check by antioxidants. While the cornea absorbs all UVC and most UVB rays, UVA rays are primarily absorbed by the lens.

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Nutrients That Support the Eyes and Brain: Sage & Goji Berries

Blog-Brain and VisionDid you know that your daily habits affect your eyes and brain? As our population ages, more effort is needed to support seniors’ eyes, brains, and overall health. Research shows that a balanced diet, regular exercise, meaningful social interactions, and targeted supplements can have a significant impact. Remember, your retina and optic nerves are essentially brain tissue, meaning the nutrients that nourish your brain also bolster your vision. Read on to discover some of the latest research in this field.

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Macular Degeneration: Natural Approaches To Enhance Eye Wellness

Macular degeneration is also known as AMD, which is an acronym for “Age-Related Macular Degeneration.” It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Limited conventional treatments are available. However, natural remedies can go a long way toward reducing the risk of AMD onset. They can help prevent AMD from progressing to the point of vision loss. And, in many cases, lifestyle considerations and targeted supplementation can improve vision loss from AMD.

What is Macular Degeneration? 

AMD involves the gradual breakdown of cells in the macula, a small yellowish spot located near the center of the retina, which is crucial for sharp vision. This condition impacts central vision, affecting activities like reading, writing, driving, and recognizing faces. People with AMD may notice that straight lines appear distorted, clear shapes become fuzzy, lines look wavy, and a hazy area forms in the center of their vision. Typically, peripheral vision remains unaffected, except in severe cases where it can eventually lead to blindness.

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Foods That Seniors Need to Combat Eye Disease

Foods for the eyesSenior citizens have the highest rates of eye issues and conditions. This includes macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eyes, poor night vision and eye floaters. These diseases and conditions can also happen in much younger people. You get most of your sensory input through vision. Healthy vision is essential for daily functioning, independence and high quality of life.

The good news is that lifestyle and diet have a big impact on the eyes. You can take self-help actions to promote healthy vision, and significantly reduce the risk of getting eye diseases. Nutrition is scientifically proven to affect the health of the eyes, brain and entire body.

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