Category: Eye Conditions

Five Crucial Facts About Glaucoma

In a New York Times interview with Dr. Stuart McKinnon, associate professor of ophthalmology and neurobiology at the Duke University School of Medicine, Dr. McKinnon presented five crucial facts about glaucoma.

Irreversible damage to the optic nerve of the eye occurs long before symptoms are detected.  This means it’s vital to have regular eye exams to catch glaucoma as soon as possible to minimize vision loss.

Although increased inter-ocular pressure (IOP) is a danger sign, it doesn’t always mean you’ll develop glaucoma.  Several studies link elevated intraocular pressure with progressive vision loss, but the risk varies widely among individuals.

African-Americans have a higher risk of glaucoma.  Research has shown that African-Americans are 3 to 6 times more likely than whites to develop glaucoma, and that glaucoma appears about 10 years earlier and progresses more rapidly in blacks than whites.  Recent studies also show that Hispanics may also be at higher risk, as well as people whose immediate family members have glaucoma.  Those with increased risk of glaucoma should start eye screenings around age 40; by age 60, everyone should be screened periodically for glaucoma.

Regular monitoring is vital if you have glaucoma or early signs of it.   Glaucoma is a progressive disease, and even patients who are being treated may continue to lose vision over time unless being carefully monitored and treated.

Following treatment recommendations carefully can help spare your vision.  A wide range of glaucoma treatments are available, but these treatments (such as daily eye drops) won’t help unless actually used according to instructions.

SOURCE:  The Importance of Daily Glaucoma Treatment, New York Times, July 15, 2009, http://health.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-glaucoma-know.html

Mini-Strokes May Cause Vision Loss for Those with Normal Tension Glaucoma

The Hong Kong study of 286 people with normal-tension glaucoma found a high incidence of silent cerebral infarcts among those whose loss of vision progressed more rapidly. The finding is in the July issue of Ophthalmology.

A study of people who suffer the mini-strokes called silent cerebral infarcts could help explain the medical mystery of normal-tension glaucoma, Hong Kong ophthalmologists report.

The Hong Kong study of 286 people with normal-tension glaucoma found a high incidence of silent cerebral infarcts among those whose loss of vision progressed more rapidly. The finding is in the July issue of Ophthalmology.

Editor’s Note: Although the traditional approach to managing normal tension glaucoma is to lower intraocular pressure with glaucoma medications, the reason for the actual vision loss it still not known. This study may offer some insight into this vision loss.

We have long subscribed to the idea the vision loss for people with normal tension glaucoma is at least partially due to poor circulation to the optic nerve, and that taking nutrients and herbs that help strengthen circulation to the optic nerve and help fortify the optic nerve can help preserve vision.

Such nutrients include gingko biloba, taurine, vitamin B12, alpha lipoic acid, bilberry, lutein, zeaxanthin, grapeseed extract and omega-3 fatty acids.

For more related information, see Natural Eye Care for Glaucoma.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Macular Degeneration Prevention

Animal Testing: Fatty Acids & AMD

A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids has been found to protect against a variety of diseases including atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Retrospective studies have suggested that diets high in fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids may also contribute to protection against age-related macular degeneration.

A group of researchers led by Dr. Chi-Chao Chan at the National Eye Institute examined the direct effect of omega-3 fatty acids on a mouse model of age-related macular degeneration. A diet with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids resulted in slower lesion progression, with improvement in some lesions. These mice had lower levels of inflammatory molecules and higher levels of anti-inflammatory molecules, which may explain this protective effect.

The researchers suggest that “a diet enriched in EPA and DHA can reduce the progression of retinal lesions in their mouse model of age-related macular degeneration” and that “the results in these mice are in line with the epidemiological studies of age-related macular degeneration risk reduction by long chain n-3 fatty acids.” The results “further provide the scientific basis for the application of omega-3 fatty acids and their biologically active derivatives in the prevention and treatment of age-related macular degeneration.”

Long Chain Fatty Acids

A study published in the Journal of Lipids Research looked into the roles played by both long chain and very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs and VLC-PUFAs), both of which are naturally present in the eyes.  There are not a lot of VLC-PUFAs in the eyes, and they have not received a lot of scientific attention, but this study focused on the important role they play in eye health.

Researchers concluded that a lack of either LC-PUFAs and VLC-PUFAs can lead to macular degeneration.  Source: https://www.lef.org

Fish oil is the key source of these compounds.

Good versus Bad Fats: 2 Studies

In the first study, Australian researchers evaluated data from 2,454 participants in the Blue Mountain Eye Study of men and women aged 49+. Those who consumed at least one fish serving weekly had a 31 percent lower adjusted risk of developing early AMD compared with those who consumed less.

In another study, Australian researchers of the Centre for Eye Research Australia and her associates evaluated data from 6,734 men and women aged 58 to 69 who participated in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Dietary questionnaires completed between 1990 and 1994 were analyzed for the intake of various foods and individual fatty acids. Follow up examinations conducted between 2003 and 2006 detected 2,872 cases of early age-related macular degeneration and 88 cases of late disease.

Patients whose diets included many trans-unsaturated fats experienced a marked increase in late macular degeneration incidence, while those with amounts of trans-fats in their diets in the top 25% of all the people evaluated had  76 percent greater risk than those whose trans-fat consumption was among the lowest fourth.

Olive oil was found to provide protection against late developing AMD.  Comparing patients who included at least 100 milliliters olive oil weekly to those who consumed less than 1 milliliter per week, these “high olive oil users”  had 52 percent lower risk of late AMD.

For early developing AMD, those people who had the highest 25 percent inclusion of  omega-3 fatty acids in their diet had a 15 percent lower risk as compared with those patients who had the least consumption of omega-3 fatty acids (lowest 1/4 of consumption).

Fish as Omega-3 Source

Researches established that one serving of omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish in the diet weekly may reduce  AMD  risk  by over 50 percent.

The EUREYE study was a population-based survey of risk factors for AMD and ARM in elderly Europeans.  2,275 people aged 65+  were given eye exams and completed a questionnaire about their diet.  One aspect of the research looked at the quantity of oily fish, which is known to be high in omega-3 fatty acids. They found that 64% of the group ate less than one serving of oily fish per week; 25% of the group ate 1 serving weekly, and twice or more weekly by 12% of the survey group.

The 25% consuming oily fish at least 1 time a week were 50% less likely to develop neovascular AMD and those eating twice a week had a 58% lower risk.

Good choices for fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids are cold water fish such as salmon, herring, anchovies, mackerel and sardines.

Source: Augood, et al; Oily fish consumption, dietary docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid intakes, and associations with neovascular age-related macular degeneration; American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 88, No. 2, 398-406, August 2008.

High Omega-3 and Low Carbohydrate Diet

Researchers from Tufts University have found that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in starchy carbohydrates can significantly reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The study, published in the journal Ophthalmology, is the first to calculate the combined effect of specific dietary nutrients and eating habits on a person’s risk for age-related macular degeneration.

During the study of 4003 participants in the ongoing Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), each dietary factor was assigned a percentile score; these scores were accumulated to find each participant’s compound score. The compound score was then evaluated for its association with the risk of AMD.

Researchers showed that vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and the omega-3 fatty acids known as D.H.A. and E.P.A. were linked to lower risk for AMD.

The lowest risk of AMD was found in participants who regularly consumed a combination of these nutrients as part of a low-glycemic index diet.

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates that break down rapidly during digestion, such as white bread and pastries, have a higher GI, as they release glucose into the bloodstream rapidly. Foods that break down more slowly, such as vegetables and proteins, have a lower GI value.

SOURCE: “Dietary Compound Score and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study”, Chiu, et al, Ophthalmology, Volume 116, Issue 5, Pages 939-946.

Omega-3, Nuts, Linoleic Acid and AMD

Researchers have released a new study showing that regularly including  fish, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and nuts in one’s diet helps protect against age-related AMD.

The study, published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, assessed the relationship between dietary fatty acids and the 10-year incident of AMD.

Scientists examined 3654 elderly Australian participants at baseline and re-examined 2454 of these participants five and/or ten years later.  Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire.

The findings confirmed many previous studies on AMD.  After adjusting for age, sex, and smoking:

  • one serving of fish per week was associated with reduced risk of early AMD primarily among participants with less than the median linoleic acid consumption
  • findings were similar for consumption of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids:  one to two servings of nuts per week was associated with reduced risk of early AMD
  • a positive tie between nut consumption and reduced risk of pigmentary abnormalities were seen among nonsmokers, participants with less than the median ratio of serum total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and those with beta carotene intake greater than the median level.

This study provides evidence of protection against early AMD through:

  • regular consumption of fish and nuts
  • greater consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
  • low intakes of foods rich in linoleic acid

SOURCE:  Dietary Fatty Acids and the 10-Year Incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, The Blue Mountains Eye Study, Tan, et al, Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(5):656-665.

For more related research studies, click here for Natural Eye Care Related research on nutrition and macular degeneration.

Eat Fish to Fight Macular Degeneration

A new study provides further evidence that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
A NIH-funded study group led by Dr. Chi-Chao Chan at the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, examined the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on a mouse model of AMD. Mice that were given a diet including high levels of omega-3 fatty acids showed slower retinal lesion progression, with improvement in some lesions.

Study authors suggest that the results “further provide the scientific basis for the application of omega-3 fatty acids and their biologically active derivatives in the prevention and treatment of AMD.”

Excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids include cold water oily fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines.

SOURCE: Tuo J, et al: A high omega-3 fatty acid diet reduces retinal lesions in a murine model of macular degeneration, Am J Pathol 2009 175: 799-807.

Bilberry: Macular Degeneration & Cataracts

Bilberry

European Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

Bilberry is one of the anti-oxidant rich fruits which are commonly recommended for vision conditions as well as being helpful for many other health conditions. It’s a common component in many nutritional formulations intending for vision.

There has been preliminary evidence that bilberries may help inhibit or even reverse macular disorders such as macular degeneration. Wikipedia points out that because they contain a lot of anthocyanin pigments (very dark blue) they may reduce risk for problems of the heart and cardiovascular system, eyes, and cancer.

Bilberry, a cousin to our native American blueberry or huckleberry, is, according to Wikipedia,

“… is a name given to several species of low-growing shrubs in the genus Vaccinium (family Ericaceae) that bears fruits. The species most often referred to is Vaccinium myrtillus L., otherwise known as the European blueberry. Other names are blaeberry, whortleberry, whinberry (or winberry), wimberry, myrtle blueberry, fraughan, and other names regionally.”

They don’t grow well domestically and so are harvested wild. Wikipedia points out, in fact, that it is a right, in most European countries to harvest bilberries anywhere, on anyone’s property, except in the owner’s own private garden. Public domain!

Why do bilberries help? Apparently primarily because they contain powerful anti-oxidants. More specifically, their flavonoids contain an unusually large amount of antioxidants. Flavonoids are organic compounds not directly involved in normal growth, but which assist in healthy maintenance, and whose lack causes problems.

An abstract in Advances in Gerontology, a Russian publication, discusses treatment of rats with cataracts and macular degeneration.
The abstract points out that:

“Bilberry’s flavonoids are known as potent antioxidants, scavenging free radicals and used for multiple age-related ocular disorders.”

The Russian researchers used rats with early senile cataract and macular degeneration. They were given a diet with 25% bilberry extract over a 1.5 to 3 month period (with vitamin E as a comparison). 70% of the rats given vitamin E had cataracts and macular degeneration, and those who received bilberry extract had none.

In one Italian study (I could not find the original research) 50 people with early cataract took bilberry extracts 3 times a day – the treatment stopped the progression of cataracts in 97% of the participants. Source: 100 Healing Herbs. Another study published in Alternative Medicine Review, 2001, mentions bilberry as a possible aid for cataracts.

Bilberry is a major ingredient of Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula, and is been part of his recommended protocol for patients with macular degeneration and other macular conditions and cataracts.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_metabolite
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavonoid
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16075680
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilberry
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16075680
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16294503
100 Healing Herbs, Castleman, Michael
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11302779
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-bilberry.html

Macular Degeneration and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Study found that reducing trans-fats and increasing consumption of fish, nuts, olive oil and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids could significantly lower the risk for Macular Degeneration.

The leading cause of blindness in people over 60 is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A recent Australian study called the Blue Mountain Eye Study examined about 2500 participants over a 5 and 10 year period.

The study found that reducing trans-fats and increasing consumption of fish, nuts, olive oil and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids could significantly lower the risk for AMD. It may be that healthy fatty acid prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and reduces inflammation, blood vessel formation and oxygen-related cell damage in the retina, helping to protect the eyes.

For more information on nutrition and macular degeneration and related research studies, go to Natural Eye Care for Macular Degeneration

AREDS Plus Omega-3 for Macular Degeneration (AMD)

A compilation study from Tufts University, University of Wisconsin, and the EMMES Corporation researched the effects of taking the AREDS supplement plus omega-3 and reducing dGI (dietary glycemic index) on AMD (age-related macular degeneration). dGI is a numerical index given to a carbohydrate-rich food that is based on the average increase in blood glucose levels occurring after the food is eaten.

The trial spanned 8 years and studied 3,000 eligible AREDS AMD trial participants.

Looking at the risk of advanced AMD, the study found that the AREDS supplement plus higher intakes of omega-3 (DHA and EPA), and reducing dietary glycemic index (dGI) helped reduce progression of the disease.

See more information on nutrition and macular degeneration and related research studies.

GLA Improves Comfort in Contact Lens-Related Dry Eye

A dry eye study, shows that a group using GLA showed a significant improvement in the specific symptom of “dryness” at 3 and 6 months (p <0.01) as well as significant improvement in overall lens comfort at 6 months (p<0.01). Tear meniscus height was increased in the GLA group at 6 months relative to baseline (p<0.01), although all other objective signs were unchanged

GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is an omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid made in the human body from linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid found in vegetable oils and egg yolks. GLA has anti-inflammatory properties and can also be found in oils derived from black currant seeds and the evening primrose plant.

Several small trials testing GLA and linoleic (LA) oil in dry eye syndrome with an inflammatory component report reduced ocular surface inflammation and symptom improvement.

Related Studies:
1. Barabino, M et al. Systemic linoleic and gamma-linolenic acid therapy in dry eye syndrome with an inflammatory component. Cornea 22:97–101, 2003.
2. Aragona P, et al. Systemic omega-6 essential fatty acid treatment and PGE1 tear content in Sjogren’s syndrome patients. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 46:4474–9, 2005
3. Kokke KH, et al. Oral omega-6 essential fatty acid treatment in contact lens associated dry eye. Contact Lens Anterior Eye 31:141-6, 2008.
4. Macri A, et al. Effect of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid on tear production, tear clearance and on the ocular surface after photorefractive keratectomy. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 241: 561-6, 2003.

For more information on dry eyes and natural ways this eye condition can be helped, go to Natural Eye Care
 Eye Conditions section and click on Dry Eyes.

AMD Patients Benefit from Balance Training

Patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) experience a deterioration of their central vision. Two thirds of AMD patients have problems with visuomotor and balance skills resulting in clumsiness and increased risk of falls.

A new study investigates the link between balance training and improved visual, vestibular and somatosensory functions involved in balance control. The study measured the effectiveness of balance training on both reading speed and several visuomotor functions.

The study looked a balance data for 54 patients with AMD and 55 controls. Balance training was then given to 16 patients and 14 controls. The researchers evaluated reading performance, postural sway, pointing accuracy, and, for the AMD patients, the effect of low vision training and balance training.

Result: “Even after a limited number of sessions of cross-modal balance training, the results show a significant improvement for the vestibular input and fixation stability.” Resarchers concluded that such training can be helpful for poor vision patients to maintain balance.

Learn more about AMD, including diet, nutrition, self-help and alternative treatment information.

Published: Balance training and visual rehabilitation of age-related macular degeneration patients, Radvay, et al, Journal of Vestibular Research, Volume 17, Number 4, 2007, pages 183 – 193.

Dry Eye Disease on the Rise Among U.S. Men

Almost 4% of men in the United States develop dry eye disease (DED) after age 50, while almost 7.7% of men over 80 develop the disease, making it one of the most common eye conditions in the country.  By the year 2030, DED is expected to affect more than 2.79 million US men.

Typical symptoms of dry eye include dryness, grittiness, irritation, difficulty reading for long periods of time, burning and even the seeming contradiction of excessive tearing or watering.

In the study, published in June issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, researchers analyzed data on 25,444 men over the age of 50 who participated in the Physicians’ Health Study I and II.  DED was defined as the presence of clinically diagnosed dry eye or severe symptoms (both dryness and constant or frequent irritation).   About 3% reported a previous diagnosis of dry eye, while 6.8% said they had constantly or frequently experienced at least one symptom such as dryness or irritation. Roughly 2.2% reported both symptoms constantly or frequently.

Although research has shown DED is more common among women, about 1.68 million men over age 50 in the United States now have the disease.

Researchers also noted that DED risk increases with age, hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia (a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate), and antidepressant use.

Learn about vitamins and other nutritional products recommended for dry eye, and review a list of drugs that can cause dry eye symptoms at the Natural Eye Care website

SOURCE:  “Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease Among US Men,” Schaumberg, et al, Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(6):763-768.