Macular Degeneration Stabilized by Acetyl-L-carnitine, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Coenzyme Q10

senior macular degenerationPatients with early Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) improved when taking a combination of nutrients. The nutrients were acetyl-L-carnitine, omega-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10.[1. Ophthalmologica. 2005 May-Jun;219(3):154-66. “Improvement of visual functions and fundus alterations in early age-related macular degeneration treated with a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine, n-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10.” Feher J et. al.]

The double-blind trial was controlled with a soy oil placebo. The study included over 100 patients with AMD. They were assigned to take two capsules per day for 12 months of either the treatment capsule or the placebo. Nearly all of the subjects who took the supplements for one year showed significant improvement in visual acuity (Snellen Chart & ETDRS chart), foveal sensitivity and changes in the back of the eye.  The fovea is the only part of the eye where 100% visual acuity is possible. Only 2% of these subjects had clinically significant worsening of their condition. But 17% of the control group who received a placebo got worse.

Continue reading “Macular Degeneration Stabilized by Acetyl-L-carnitine, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Coenzyme Q10”

Antioxidant Astaxanthin Protects the Eyes from Disease and Damage

Nigiri Sushi AstaxanthinAstaxanthin is an extremely powerful antioxidant that is sometimes overlooked. It protects the body from free radical damage. Ten times more powerful than beta-carotene, astaxanthin is a carotenoid that can cross the blood-brain barrier[1. Tso and Lam 1996]. This means it can reach the retina and macula of the eye.

Seniors need to be especially protective of their eye health. In Age-Related Macular Degeneration, the yellowish-colored macular responsible for central vision begins to break down. This makes driving, reading, cooking and recognizing faces difficult or impossible. Cataracts cause haziness and blurring as the lens becomes obscured. And glaucoma gradually steals peripheral vision due to damage to the optic nerve. A large body of research points Continue reading “Antioxidant Astaxanthin Protects the Eyes from Disease and Damage”

Sun Protection for the Eyes: Prevent Eye Injuries, Cataracts, ARMD, Surfer’s Eye

sun protection glasses hat sunscreenThe sun sustains life, but it also can harm our eyes. Unsafe sun exposure causes or may contribute to several eye conditions and diseases. It can also cause eye injuries. Earth’s ozone layer absorbs most of the ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, but chemicals have damaged it. Therefore, we must take extra precautions to prevent cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, ocular melanoma (eye cancer), and eye injuries such as pterygium (Surfer’s Eye), photokeratitis (snow blindness), and flash blindness. The sun is also a driving hazard when low on the horizon.

The body contains its own “sunscreen,” which is melanin. Dark-skinned people have more melanin and Continue reading “Sun Protection for the Eyes: Prevent Eye Injuries, Cataracts, ARMD, Surfer’s Eye”

Sunglasses Guide: Protect Your Vision

sunglasses guideSunglasses are the primary way to protect your eyes from the hazards of excess sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can cause cataracts and macular degeneration, serious eye diseases. It can also cause growths on the eye, eye cancer, retinal burns, and other types of damage. UV light damage is cumulative, but a life-long habit of wearing sunglasses in the sun will help prevent problems.

Good sunglasses do not need to cost a lot of money. In fact, the price tag does not indicate the lens’s ability to block damaging UV light. Neither does the darkness of the lenses. The item’s tag should contain Continue reading “Sunglasses Guide: Protect Your Vision”

Pleo-MUC Mecokehl Eye Drops Indicated for Cataracts, Glaucoma, Dry Eye & Conjunctivitis

Pleo-MUC single eye dropsA homeopathic eye drop called Pleo-MUC (Mucokehl) is designed to increase circulation and reduce congestion in the eye. The drops are aimed at helping dry, irritated eyes. They are indicated for cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome and conjunctivitis.

Homeopathy uses a dilution of certain substances to counteract a condition or disease. This technique was founded by Samuel Hahnemann in Germany in 1796. Based on the principle of “like cures like,” the substances that cause disease in a healthy person are given in a highly diluted formula to people with the health condition. Only a few molecules, or none, of the original substance are in a homeopathic remedy, but what is left is the energy stamp of the nutrient. When taken by an individual, they help support the body’s natural healing process related to that person’s health issue.  Continue reading “Pleo-MUC Mecokehl Eye Drops Indicated for Cataracts, Glaucoma, Dry Eye & Conjunctivitis”

Saffron Helps Macular Degeneration in Six Research Studies

saffron crocus flowerSeveral studies have indicated saffron’s power to protect the eye from the effects of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). This precious yellow & red spice contains the carotenoids crocin and crocetin, antioxidants that appear to protect the retina. Visual acuity has been shown to be improved in Macular Degeneration patients who take a saffron supplement. These supplements may also increase blood flow to the retinal area, improve light sensitivity, and reduce photo-oxidative damage.

Saffron comes from a crocus flower, and it is a popular food flavoring. These tiny, feather-light Continue reading “Saffron Helps Macular Degeneration in Six Research Studies”

Eye Disease in Seniors & Age 40+ Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration

senior eye disease cataractsMiddle-aged people and seniors are far more likely to develop Macular Degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy than those in their youth. It is true that some eye diseases strike the young. These tend to be genetically-based diseases, and they are rare. The incidence of eye diseases in the United States goes up dramatically with age: Continue reading “Eye Disease in Seniors & Age 40+ Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration”

Can Myopia Be Prevented by Sunlight? The Connection with Dopamine.

outdoors sunlightResearch is pointing toward a link between myopia and the brain chemical dopamine. All-natural sunlight may be the antidote.

Myopia is called “near sightedness” because the eyeball is too long. The image from the lens falls short of the retina, causing blurring of distance vision. The condition is corrected using glasses or contact lenses. It is on the rise all over the world. In the United States, incidence has risen from 25% to 50% Continue reading “Can Myopia Be Prevented by Sunlight? The Connection with Dopamine.”

Dry Macular Degeneration May Improve with High-Dose Statin Cholesterol Drug

macular degeneration - statinSome patients with dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)  have vision improvements after taking high doses a statin.  The common  cholesterol-lowering drug is called Atorvastatin.  It is the statin drug used in a phase I/II clinical trial at Massachusetts Eye and Ear at Harvard Medical School and the University of Crete. A higher-than-normal dose of the drug caused lipid deposits behind the retina to dissolve in some patients.

Statin drugs are FDA approved for controlling blood Continue reading “Dry Macular Degeneration May Improve with High-Dose Statin Cholesterol Drug”

Glaucoma Progression May Be Detectable with Special Contact Lens

glaucoma explanationA new “smart” contact lens has been shown to detect accurately intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. This technology may be useful for predicting which patients are deteriorating rapidly. Their treatment plan can be modified accordingly to help preserve more vision.

This study used the Sensimed Triggerfish® contact lens system. Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that specific electrical signals from the “smart” contact lenses correlated with the rate of the disease’s Continue reading “Glaucoma Progression May Be Detectable with Special Contact Lens”