The links between antioxidants and vision health are strong. Antioxidants are the antidote to oxidization. Normal metabolism creates free radicals. These are atoms that lack an electron. Free radicals roam about the body, scavenging electrons and stealing electrons from healthy cells. This results in permanent damage to these afflicted cells which ultimately can result in disease. Significant research has shown that antioxidants protect against this cellular damage and are essential for maintaining health. The eye is especially vulnerable to free radical damage. Therefore, providing the body with sufficient antioxidants Continue reading “Antioxidants, Eye Disease and Oxidative Stress”
Category: Vitamin C
Keep Your Eyes Young and Healthy: Avoid Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma
As we age, our chances of developing a serious vision problem increase significantly. More than half of people over the age of 70 years old have an eye condition such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration; people with diabetes often develop diabetic retinopathy. These limiting conditions decrease the quality of life. Being a retired senior means having time to enjoy life, read, travel, play golf, enjoy hobbies, and socialize with friends and family. However, participating in these activities requires clear vision.
We can learn to help preserve our vision and to become active Continue reading “Keep Your Eyes Young and Healthy: Avoid Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma”
Rod-Cone Dystrophy – A Complete Overview by Natural Eye Care
Rod-Cone Dystrophy is a genetically-based deterioration of vision caused by damage to the photoreceptors in the eye. Rods and cones are the photoreceptor cells in the retina that give us daytime and night time vision. Genes that provide the blueprint for manufacturing proteins crucial to the eye’s rods and cones are damaged. Without enough of these proteins, vision deteriorates and blindness may result.
Much of the current research into rod-cone dystrophy is focused on genetic research. Scientists are busy identifying the faulty genes and how they function. Stem cells or other genetic therapy offers hope for a treatment and possibly cure in the future. In the meantime, nutritional and lifestyle choices may Continue reading “Rod-Cone Dystrophy – A Complete Overview by Natural Eye Care”
Watermelon Helps Fight Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Eye Disease
File this heart healthy fact away for next summer’s barbecue season: watermelon can help fight hypertension.
Florida State University gave nine prehypertensive study participants the amino acid L-citrulline/L-arginine from watermelon extract for six weeks and all of them exhibited improved arterial function and lower aortic blood pressure.
Watermelon is also a source of vitamins A, B6, C, fiber, potassium and the antioxidant lycopene. Antioxidants are vital to eye health and help to fight the free radical oxidation damage that causes eye diseases like macular degeneration.
Study author Arturo Figueroa highlights another condition that could benefit from daily watermelon intake: diabetes. “Individuals with increased blood pressure and arterial stiffness especially those who are older and those with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes would benefit from L-citrulline in either the synthetic or natural (watermelon) form,” he said. “The optimal dose appears to be four to six grams a day.”
Diabetes can lead to the eye condition diabetic retinopathy.
Learn more about nutrients in food that can treat and prevent disease.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/204527.php
Acupuncture Study Shows Significant Improvement in Age Related Macular Degeneration
An observational study on the effects of acupuncture on age related macular degeneration (ARMD) published in a Chinese journal showed significant improvement with acupuncture versus using vitamins A, E and a type of moss.
This was a small study with 84 patients and a total of 90 eyes that had age-related macular degeneration. They were randomly assigned to the acupuncture group or the medication group.
The acupuncture patients all had tiny, solid needles inserted into specific acupuncture points. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of health management that treats patients by puncturing specific points in the body. The theory is that disease is caused by disruptions in “chi” or life force energy. Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the body to unblock the chi and allow life force to flow. In the United States, acupuncturists are licensed by the state.
ReVision Formula Uses Classic Chinese Medicine for Liver to Improve Eyes
What is ReVision formula, and how can its classic Chinese medicinal ingredients help improve eye health and conditions such as eye floaters? ReVision formula is a liquid taken orally several times per day with water. This tincture is based on Rambling Powder, also known as Xiao Yao San.
ReVision Formula is designed to support healthy vision. Some of the conditions it may address include macular degeneration, eye floaters, and glaucoma. The idea is that ReVision Formula helps improve blood circulation to the eye. From the point of view of Chinese medicine, it helps eliminate stagnation of the body’s energy (chi) to the eyes.
Continue reading “ReVision Formula Uses Classic Chinese Medicine for Liver to Improve Eyes”
Experimental Electronic Retinas Implanted in Two Patients
Two men blinded by retinitis pigmentosa have had their sight partially restored by receiving electronic retinal implants at King’s College Hospital in England.
The surgery involves implanting a 3×3 mm2 microchip with 1,500 electrodes below the retina. A thin cable is run to a special sub-dermal control unit that is implanted behind the ear. When light reaches the eye, pixels in the chip are stimulated, sending electronic signals to the optic nerve and then to the brain. An external power unit can be connected to the chip using a magnetic disk implanted on the scalp. This allows the chip’s sensitivity to be altered.
Clinical trials began more than 6 years ago. The technology is improving over time, with the more recent patients reporting better visual acuity.
Continue reading “Experimental Electronic Retinas Implanted in Two Patients”
Cataracts Linked to Nutrition Deficiencies Per US Government Scientists
US government scientists realize the important role that nutrition plays in the health of the eyes.
Cataracts are caused by an accumulation of free radicals that cloud the lens of the eye through a process called oxidation. Antioxidants, these researchers agree, “are compounds in foods that help maintain healthy cells and tissues in the eye and other organs.” Prime sources of antioxidants include: leafy greens, eggs, blueberries, and bilberries.
In a study of almost 500 middle aged and older women, it was discovered that those who consumed more riboflavin, folate, beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins C and E were less likely to suffer from cataract symptoms than did those who consumes the least amounts of these nutrients.
Another interesting fact that may affect your daily supplement regimen? Women who took vitamin C supplements regularly over the previous decade were 64% less likely to have
Moreover, those who used vitamin C supplements for 10 or more years were 64 percent less likely to have opacity within the eyes than counterparts who did not take vitamin C.
Source: USDA Agricultural Research Service
Learn more about how to prevent cataracts with our self-help recommendations at our website.
Vitamin C Is a Potential Cancer Fighter
Vitamin C, given to patients intravenously, could be an effective way to fight cancer.
A study, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, is based on the assertion that doses of vitamin C could help cancer patients who suffer from wasting (cachexia), immune system deficiencies, and compromised quality of life. This particular article pulled together the findings from 246 previous studies.
The study sought to include perspectives from the alternative health community that has asserted the benefits of vitamin C as a cancer fighter as well the allopathic medical community that has, in part, agreed that vitamin C could be helpful to cancer patients.
In the past, studies have differed on vitamin C’s effectiveness, but it seems the determining factor in vitamin C’s cancer fighting abilities is in taking it intravenously rather than in pill form. Source: Medical News Today
Eggs Provide Nutrients and Ward Off Eye Disease
A new study further supports the benefits of eating eggs.
Michigan State University researchers sought to determine how eggs might be part of a healthy diet and also determine the impact egg consumption may have on cholesterol. Egg eaters showed higher levels of such vital nutrients as vitamins B12, A, E, and C. The study does remind us to enjoy eggs in moderation – four eggs per week is optimal. Eating more than four eggs per week can lead to increased cholesterol.
Source: maculardegenerationassociation.org
Eating eggs can also help prevent a number of eye conditions including macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Vitamin C
In many parts of the world, especially in Europe and Asia, the value of vitamin C is well known. It is considered to be an important part of routine glaucoma treatment. It lowers pressure in the eye by lessening fluid production within the eyeball and improving the circulation of aqueous humor, as toxins are removed, from the eye. Vitamin C also improves the metabolism of collagen which is possibly an underlying cause of glaucoma.