Eating Habits Can Impair Circulation, Increasing the Risk of Glaucoma, Retinal Vascular Occlusions, Dry Eyes, Macular Degeneration

Circulation and Eye DiseasesWe might not connect our eating habits to eye disease, but poor nutrition impairs circulation. Reduced circulation can contribute to eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal vascular occlusions, ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), dry eyes, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Instead of being a “victim” of eye diseases in your senior years, you can take charge of your health today!

At Natural Eye Care, we believe that the visual system uses approximately 25% of the nutrients we take into the body. Only the brain needs more. Therefore, a nutrient-rich diet helps keep your eyes healthy. Anything that impairs the free flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients can significantly increase the risk of eye disease. Over time, you could experience vision loss, making you less independent in your senior years.

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Poor Circulation is Linked to Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma and Diabetic Retinopathy

Poor circulation from heart disease Poor circulation significantly contributes to eye diseases, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Heart disease and diabetes lead to poor circulation. Our eyes and brain require the most oxygen and nutrients, so they need healthy blood circulation. In this article, we will explore the connections between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and poor circulation. We will also examine the relationship between heart disease and glaucoma. Additionally, we will discuss how diabetes affects circulation and leads to diabetic retinopathy.

Macular Degeneration and Poor Circulation

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe and irreversible vision loss in developed countries.[1.Klein R Klein BE Tomany SC Cruickshanks KJ . The association of cardiovascular disease with the long-term incidence of age-related maculopathy: The Beaver Dam Eye Study. Ophthalmology. 2003;110:636–643.] [2.Evans J Wormald R . Is the incidence of registrable age-related macular degeneration increasing? Br J Ophthalmol. 1996;80:9–14.].The macula is a tiny spot in the middle of the eye’s retina, where we get our most detailed vision. Heart disease is a major contributing factor. Numerous studies have linked hypertension and atherosclerosis with AMD.[3.Vingerling JR Dielemans I Bots ML Hofman A Grobbee DE de Jong PT . Age-related macular degeneration is associated with atherosclerosis: The Rotterdam Study. Am J Epidemiol. 1995;142:404–409.] [4.Hyman L Schachat AP He Q Leske MC . Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and age-related macular degeneration. Age-Related Macular Degeneration Risk Factors Study Group. Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118:351–358.] [5.van Leeuwen R Ikram MK Vingerling JR Witteman JC Hofman A de Jong PT . Blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and the incidence of age-related maculopathy: The Rotterdam Study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003;44:3771–3777.] [6.Klein R Klein BE Tomany SC Cruickshanks KJ . The association of cardiovascular disease with the long-term incidence of age-related maculopathy: The Beaver Dam Eye Study. Ophthalmology. 2003;110:636–643.] Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies indicate that AMD can be very responsive to diet, exercise, and targeted supplementation.

The choroid is a thin layer of tissue in the eye’s middle wall, rich in blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the eye. Several cross-sectional studies have shown that blood flow in the choroid and retina is reduced in AMD.[7.Agnes Boltz, Alexandra Luksch, Barbara Wimpissinger, Noemi Maar, Günther Weigert, Sophie Frantal, Werner Brannath, Gerhard Garhöfer, Erdem Ergun, Michael Stur, Leopold Schmetterer; Choroidal Blood Flow and Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Fellow Eye in Patients with Unilateral Choroidal Neovascularization. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2010;51(8):4220-4225.]  [8.M.L. Hibert, Y.I. Chen, N. Ohringer, W.J. Feuer, N.K. Waheed, J.S. Heier, M.W. Calhoun, P.J. Rosenfeld and J.R. Polimeni. Altered Blood Flow in the Ophthalmic and Internal Carotid Arteries in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration Measured Using Noncontrast MR Angiography at 7T. American Journal of Neuroradiology September 2021, 42 (9) 1653-1660]

Poor circulation hurts the body’s ability to provide a healthy blood supply to the retina. This appears to induce ischemia (an inadequate blood supply) and hypoxia (inadequate supply of oxygen to the body’s tissues) in the retina. The retina is essentially starved of oxygen and essential nutrients. In severe cases, dry AMD develops into the more dangerous wet AMD.

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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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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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Flu and Cold Season – Natural Ways to Stay Healthy

fluWintertime is when colds and flu are the most common. Why should we try to avoid these infectious diseases, and how? In addition to annual vaccines, what are some natural ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season? At Natural Eye Care, we see healthy eyes as part of a healthy body. This article references research that supports lifestyle, nutrition, botanicals, and supplements to fight colds and flu. Find out how to avoid getting sick, reduce the impact, and recover faster.
Each year, approximately 5 to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu. Although most recover without incident, flu-related complications typically lead to at least 200,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 and 60,000 deaths each year. People tend to recover from bacterial-related colds much more quickly than virus-related colds. Seniors and small children are especially susceptible.

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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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Edible Mushrooms: The Broad Range of Health Benefits

edible-mushroomsEdible mushrooms have a long history as both food and medicine. What are its health benefits? How can you safely enjoy mushrooms in food and as a supplement?

Studies have shown both in vitro and mammal studies to have potential roles in the prevention of many age-associated neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s Disease.[1.Rahman MA, Abdullah N, Aminudin N. (2016). Interpretation of mushroom as a common therapeutic agent for Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular diseases. Crit Rev Biotechnol. Dec;36(6):1131-1142.] Popular medicinal mushrooms include lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Sarcodon scabrosus, Antrodia camphorata, Pleurotus giganteus, maitake (Grifola frondosa), and many more.  For example, Reishi mushrooms help reduce inflammation.[2.Phan CW, David P, Naidu M, Wong KH, Sabaratnam V. (2015). Therapeutic potential of culinary-medicinal mushrooms for the management of neurodegenerative diseases: diversity, metabolite, and mechanism. Crit Rev Biotechnol. 2015;35(3):355-68.]

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Healthy Cells Mean a Healthy Body: Mitochondria Maintenance

mitochondriaKeeping our cells healthy is key to staying well and helping to prevent disease. Your 30 trillion cells each contain mitochondria, the cell’s tiny “battery” and energy source. The main cause of death worldwide is non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung diseases, and brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Anything you do to keep your mitochondria healthy can mitigate these diseases, potentially extending life and increasing the quality of life. We have talked about how mitochondria work in some of our previous articles. In this article, we will discuss the origins of mitochondria, lifestyle considerations, and symptoms of mitochondria disease. Also, we include a long list of foods, supplements and nutrients that support mitochondrial functioning.

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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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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”