A new study has found a link between vascular diseases, specifically high blood pressure, diabetes, and increased risk for dementia. Vascular risk factors were higher in both female and Black participants, as well as non-carriers of the APOE ε4 gene, which is linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.[1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2834600]
The statistical results of this cohort study suggest that between 22% and 44% of incident dementia cases by 80 years old were attributed to midlife and late-life vascular risk factors.
Continue reading “Vascular Disease, Brain Disease and Eye Health Are Connected”
Oxidative 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.
Did 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.
Dry eyes are among the most prevalent issues reported by our customers and patients. Women experiencing perimenopause and menopause frequently have dry eyes. However, it is increasingly observed across all age groups, largely attributable to prolonged use of digital devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. [1. Stapleton F, Alves M, Bunya VY, et al. TFOS DEWS II epidemiology report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15(3):334–365.] [2. LeBlanc AG, Gunnell KE, Prince SA, Saunders TJ, Barnes JD, Chaput J-P. The ubiquity of the screen: an overview of the risks and benefits of screen time in our modern world. Transl J Am Sports Med. 2017;2(17):104–113.] This extended screen time alters blinking patterns over time and exposes us to environmental pollutants, contributing to the development of dry eye symptoms and meibomian gland dysfunction. 
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is instrumental in preventing or even putting a stop to a loss of vision due to age. Especially when senior citizens are presented with debilitating eye conditions. They may suffer from depression, anxiety and fear. They notice that they no longer have a sense of balance and face the possibility of falling. Many are unaware that they can circumvent these conditions.
Getting a thorough eye exam has always been about more than reading letters off an eye chart. That is even truer today. One reason: We are harder on our eyes than ever before. Many of us spend hours each day staring and squinting at screens, developing digital eyestrain, and exposing our eyes to potentially damaging blue light.
How can you save your vision regardless of your age? Eye disease is prevalent in seniors; however, people of all ages can take steps to protect their eyes. Here is Natural Eye Care’s guide to preserving the precious gift of sight.
You 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.
Smartphones can damage the eyes and cause disturbed sleep. Therefore, Natural Eye Care has issued safety guidelines for smartphones. We have summarized research on how smartphone misuse could contribute to the onset of serious eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. Eye strain and discomfort from improper smartphone habits create unnecessary suffering. Night time smartphone use leads to poor sleep.
Even though sunlight is free, we pay for electric lightbulbs. We enjoy access to light 24 hours a day, even lighting the outside at night. The miracle of electric lighting means more leisure and work time.