Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Sensitivities Linked to Vision Problems

Food allergy reaction to garlicAllergies to food can cause eye symptoms, but food allergies can also lead to vision problems. Grouped with food allergies are food intolerances and food sensitivities. While food allergies are an immune system reaction, intolerances and sensitivities are related to the digestive system. In this article, we discuss how individuals with these food issues need to protect their eyes from harm.

The Differences Between Food Allergies, Sensitivities, and Intolerances

Food allergies occur when the immune system produces an IgE-mediated response to specific proteins found in certain foods. In contrast, food intolerances and sensitivities are typically related to the digestive system’s inability to properly break down or process particular foods, rather than an immune reaction. Continue reading “Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Sensitivities Linked to Vision Problems”

Seasonal Allergies Lead to Red Eye, Orbital Cellulitis or Dry Eye Disease

allergies makes a woman sneeze in a field of flowers.Spring brings the revival of vibrant flowering plants and an increase in pollen and plant-related allergies. Seasonal allergies are also called allergic rhinitis and hay fever. Symptoms affect the eyes of an estimated 40–60% of allergy-prone individuals. Eye-related allergic reactions range from mild discomfort to severe cases that may impair visual function, significantly impacting quality of life. Common symptoms include red, itchy eyes, swollen sinuses, and excessive tearing. Allergic rhinitis is your immune system trying to protect you by reacting to a foreign substance. However, allergens such as pollen are not inherently harmful. Therefore, hay fever is an immune system overreaction that can make you feel miserable. Continue reading “Seasonal Allergies Lead to Red Eye, Orbital Cellulitis or Dry Eye Disease”

Green Tea Benefits for Seniors – Antioxidants for the Eyes, Brain, and Body

woman drinking green teaOxidative stress happens everywhere in the body and can create havoc over time. Many eye and brain diseases are triggered or exacerbated by oxidative stress. The body counteracts this stress by producing antioxidants. However, you must also ingest additional antioxidants through healthy food, drinks, and supplements. Green tea, rich in antioxidants, offers protective benefits for eye health by combating oxidative damage.[1. Merin, S. (1991). Inherited cataracts. In Merin S. editor. Inherited Eye Diseases, (pp. 86-120), New York: Mercel Dekker.] At pennies per cup, this convenient and tasty beverage has been studied for its special antioxidant properties. What are the green tea benefits for seniors? Read on to find out. Continue reading “Green Tea Benefits for Seniors – Antioxidants for the Eyes, Brain, and Body”

Diabetic Retinopathy, Sugar Balance and Retinal Support

Diabetic Retinopathy, Sugar Balance and Retinal SupportDiabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among adults. Poor blood sugar balance can damage nerves, so nerve support is crucial for people with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition stemming primarily from imbalances in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is not properly managed, the body’s delicate nerve tissues, including the retina, can be injured.

At Natural Eye Care, we have examined the research on nutrients that help protect the eye, including the retina and blood flow to the eye. Research has identified oxidative stress and inflammation as key contributors to the onset and development of numerous eye conditions.[1.Levkovitch-Verbin, H. (2015). Retinal ganglion cell apoptotic pathway in glaucoma: Initiating and downstream mechanisms. Prog. Brain Res, 220:37–57.] [2.Kowluru, R.A., Mishra, M. (2015). Oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and diabetic retinopathy. Biochem. Biophys. Acta. 1852:2474–2483.] [3.Dib, B., Lin, H., Maidana, D.E., Tian, B., Miller, J.B., et al. (2015). Mitochondrial DNA has a pro-inflammatory role in AMD. Biochem Biophys Acta, 1853:2897–2906.] These conditions include macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, macular edema, and diabetic retinopathy. Without intervention, these eye diseases can result in a gradual decline in vision, potentially leading to blindness. Studies suggest that incorporating specific antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients may be beneficial in preventing and managing these eye disorders.[4.Rhone, M., Basu, A. (2008). Phytochemicals and age-related eye diseases. Nutr Rev, 66:465–472.]

Continue reading “Diabetic Retinopathy, Sugar Balance and Retinal Support”

New Homeopathic Eye Drops: Dryness, Redness, and Digital Eye Strain

Sunnie Dry Eye DropsHomeopathic eye drops are in high demand among people experiencing dry eye, redness, and digital eye strain. At Natural Eye Care, we are excited to announce that our website offers a new line of homeopathic eye drops from Sunnie. Several of our flagship eye drops for these issues are no longer available, but Sunnie has stepped in with these safe remedies.

Homeopathy is a natural form of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s healing processes. It’s based on the principle that ‘like treats like.’ These innovative products are a testament to our commitment to providing natural and effective solutions for your eye care needs. Continue reading “New Homeopathic Eye Drops: Dryness, Redness, and Digital Eye Strain”

Protect Your Eyes During Allergy Season

Sneezing and eye redness from seasonal allergyAllergy season is once again upon us, causing many people a great deal of discomfort, including eye irritation and redness. According to conservative estimates, more than one in five Americans has allergies, and the number rises every year.

And to compound the problem, researchers have noted that due to climate change, allergy season will be longer in the upper latitude of North America. Continue reading “Protect Your Eyes During Allergy Season”

Mild Allergies + Eye Fatigue Cause Itchy Eyes

rubbing dry eyesRed, itchy, watery eyes are common in the spring, when allergies and hay fever strike. Sometimes we wake in the morning and what we notice most is that our eyes are itchy and sore.  This may be due to a combination of seasonal allergen sensitivity and tired eyes from computer eye fatigue.

Why are the eyes affected? What can you do about the effects of allergies on the eyes in the spring? Any why does eye fatigue worsen the feeling of itchy eyes?

Continue reading “Mild Allergies + Eye Fatigue Cause Itchy Eyes”

Protect Your Eyes During Dry, Windy Weather

dry windy weatherYou need to protect your eyes when the weather is dry or windy. During the colder seasons, relative humidity indoors is low. Outdoors, wind can blow dust, pollution, ice and snow. Find out how to protect yourself from dry eyes, allergens, irritation, and injury.

Dry Eye from Low Indoor Humidity

Dry eye is a common eye complaint. The eyes may feel itchy, burning, irritated, sore or gritty.

The tear film has three layers: a thin mucus layer, Continue reading “Protect Your Eyes During Dry, Windy Weather”

Two Eye Washes for Irritated Eyes

baby shampoo eye washesEye washes provide natural relief for irritated, inflamed eyes. Natural Eye Care recommends eye washes for a wide variety of eye conditions. Good lid hygiene can both soothe and prevent eye irritation.

Eye irritation can be caused by conjunctivitis, bacterial or viral infections, dry eyes, hormonal changes, allergies, drug side-effects, dehydration, excessive screen time, Continue reading “Two Eye Washes for Irritated Eyes”

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”