Study: How Does Glaucoma Influence Patients’ Lives?

 

In addition to significantly compromising vision, glaucoma is a disease that also takes an emotional toll, according to a new study in the April issue of the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

 

This study of 24 Chinese individuals with glaucoma showed that there are many fears associated with the disease including concerns about blindness and how the condition may effect other family members.  Many who were on medication, such as eye drops, were found to be self-administering them incorrectly.

Despite the relatively common nature of glaucoma in China, study participants knew little about the disease before they were diagnosed, leading researchers to conclude that there needs to be more public education about glaucoma as well as increased  support available to those who have received a glaucoma diagnosis.

According to the source for this story, Science Daily, “Some used traditional Chinese herbs like Wolfberry and Ginseng and the martial art of Tai Chi to help manage their condition. Others avoided spicy food to keep their condition stable. [According to one participant,]”Some food will get you into trouble like seafood and leek. They contain too much Yang, which can do harm to the eyes.”

At Natural Eye Care we believe strongly in both the power of traditional Chinese medicine and the power of food to help heal eye conditions.  Learn more about our prevention protocol, which includes a proper diet and the practice of a calming activity like Tai Chi.

Ginseng Supports Eye Health and May Boost Brain Function

In the formulas that I have created to support my patients’ and clients’ eye health I have included the herb ginseng because I know it helps improve heart and immune function.  It strengthens the immune system and is an excellent herb for overall health.  After all, the health of the eyes is inextricably connected to the health of the entire body.

Brain Function & Ginseng

In a study that appeared in The Cochrane Library revealed that some people may experience increased brain function when taking ginseng.  According to lead researcher JinSong Geng, M.D, “Ginseng appears to have some beneficial effects on cognition, behavior and quality of life.”  At the same time, the authors do not believe they have enough evidence to recommend people start taking the herb in therapeutic doses in hopes of improving brain health. Source:https://www.cfah.org/hbns/archives/getDocument.cfm?documentID=22336

We do know that it supports the health of the retina, however.  Learn more about Diabetic Retinopathy, often a side effect of diabetes.

Diabetic Retinopathy & Brain Function

Interestingly, research announced at Diabetes UK’s Annual Professional Conference links Diabetic retinopathy with poorer memory and diminished brain power in people with Type 2 diabetes. It has yet to be determined whether the advance of cerebral microvascular disease, as indexed by retinopathy, leads to cognitive decline or whether poorer mental acuity makes it more difficult to manage diabetes symptoms and leads to a worsening of the disease. According to Jie Ding from the University of Edinburgh, “It is also possible that a third unidentified factor is causing both diabetic retinopathy and the cognitive changes.” Source:  medicalnewstoday.com/