Head-down Yoga Positions Could Aggravate Glaucoma

yoga positions that increase intraoccular pressureYoga is generally considered a perfect exercise for overall health; however, head-down positions may be harmful to glaucoma patients. A small study at a yoga studio found that positions that put the head downward increased intraocular pressure. The positions studied were Adho Mukha Svanasana, Uttanasana, Halasana and Viparita Kirani.

Intraocular pressure is associated with glaucoma, a serious and degenerative eye disease.  During a standard eye exam, this pressure is often used as a screening. Continue reading “Head-down Yoga Positions Could Aggravate Glaucoma”

Toxins in Cosmetics & Personal Care: A Quick Reference

toxins in cosmeticsThere are often toxins in cosmetics and personal care items that you use daily. 87% of likely voters in 2016 want better regulation of personal care products.  The cosmetics, cleansers, shampoos, soaps, toothpastes, sun-screens, skin treatments and whatever else we might put on our skin, hair or nails often contain toxins.  We absorb toxins through our skin so this is important.  Of course, some people are more sensitive than others, but even so it is a good idea to pay attention when we shop.

Add this quick list to your wallet or smartphone. Continue reading “Toxins in Cosmetics & Personal Care: A Quick Reference”

AMD Research – Part 2

macular degenerationScientists are putting significant focus on Age-Related Macular Degeneration in their research. This eye disease strikes mostly older adults, over aged 50. The “Baby Boomer” generation is well above age 50, as are their living parents. Understanding the causes and potential treatments for Macular Denegation (ARMD) are important, because vision-impaired elderly people need extra help with their daily activities. Also, quality of life is lowered when vision is poor.

The macula is a tiny yellowish spot in the back of the eye, on the retina. It allows for central vision. Central vision is possible because of the macula. If it breaks down, reading, writing, watching TV, cooking, driving and even facial recognition are impaired. Macular Degeneration is degenerative, meaning that it gets worse over time.

ARMD comes in two forms. The more common Continue reading “AMD Research – Part 2”

Lutein Absorption Higher as a Solid-Lipid Particle Complex

egg yolkLutein absorption can be improved by adding solid-lipid particles to the formula.  What does that mean?   Lipids are fats and solid-lipids are fats which are solid at room temperature.  Researchers have noted that lutein from egg yolks is more readily absorbed than the ester form of lutein. Researchers wanted to know whether combining ester lutein with egg-like phospholipids and fatty acids  would improve its absorption rate.

Lutein Absorption Studied

A pilot study found that lutein in the form of a solid-lipid particle complex appeared to be more readily absorbed than the traditional  ester supplements. This supplement was prepared from enriched egg yolk. The results mean that more bio-available supplements of this important carotenoid antioxidant could come in the near future.

Research demonstrates that Lutein has a protective and supportive effect on eye health. The macula at the back of the eye is yellow due to lutein and zeaxanthin. They filter blue light, protecting the eye. Without proper intake and absorption of these two carotenoids, the eye can develop several diseases including Macular Degeneration (AMD).

The supplement is called a Continue reading “Lutein Absorption Higher as a Solid-Lipid Particle Complex”

AMD Research: Part 1

age-related macular degeneratio ARMD Age-Related Macular Denegation is a significant cause of vision loss that can often be managed and even improved through targeted nutritional support. It affects mostly people over age 50. While the precise cause of ARMD is not clear, oxidative damage is suspected as being a major factor. It strikes the elderly possibly due to poor diet and nutritional intake over a lifetime, less efficient absorption of nutrients and poor circulation as the body ages. The care needed by vision-impaired elderly could become overwhelming. Let’s take a look at some of the newest research in preventing macular degeneration, as well as treatment and support options.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Central vision is possible because of the macula. It is a small, yellow-colored Continue reading “AMD Research: Part 1”

Can Oxidative Damage Cause Macular Degeneration and Cataracts?

vegetables and fruits containing antioxidantsAntioxidants have been studied as a way of preventing eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Oxidative damage (free radical damage) may be a contributing cause of these diseases. People concerned about developing these problems may consider taking both dietary and supplemental antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and supplements like lutein, zeaxanthin, glutathione, Continue reading “Can Oxidative Damage Cause Macular Degeneration and Cataracts?”

Laser Danger: Prevent Eye Injury and Temporary Blindness

laser pointerLasers are common in toys and laser pointers, but improper use can result in vision damage or accident-causing temporary blindness. The US Food and Drug Administration regulates lasers, and they classify them according to strength. The stronger they are, the more damage they can do.

The main problem is hand-held laser pointers. Laser pointers are used during lectures to point out details on slideshows or posters. They are more powerful than the Class 1 and Class 2 lasers found in toys.

If a laser is pointed directly at the eye, it can damage Continue reading “Laser Danger: Prevent Eye Injury and Temporary Blindness”

Computers & Your Eyes III: Smartphones – Are You Addicted?

smartphone addictionAmericans spend about 1/3 of their waking hours on smartphones; young Americans spend even more.  Research finds that we spend almost twice as much time as we think we do and more than half of that time is in short bursts of less than 30 seconds.

Why is that a problem?

Research has found that such use can damage productivity, memory, attention-span, thinking outside the box, and increase cognitive errors, anxiety and stress levels, and impair the quality of sleep. Not only that, but the blue light emitted by computers and mobile devices damages the rods and cones and the pigmented layer of the retina and is associated with eye cancer. Blue light is especially damaging in low-light conditions and in the not yet fully developed retinas of children under age nine. Continue reading “Computers & Your Eyes III: Smartphones – Are You Addicted?”

Fucoxanthin / Fucoidan – Eye Nutrients of the Future?

seaweed2Chinese scientists have identified nutrients that come from marine algae that may prove to provide even better support for vision health problems due to computer eye syndrome than the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Fucoxanthin[1. Y. Liu, et al, Protective Effect of Fucoxanthin Isolated from Laminaria japonica against Visible Light-Induced Retinal Damage Both in Vitro and in Vivo, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, January, 2016.] comes from a brown seaweed where it is the primary part of the light-absorbing mechanism of the plant.  It is what gives seaweed a brown or olive-green color.

Continue reading “Fucoxanthin / Fucoidan – Eye Nutrients of the Future?”

Three Ways to Improve Absorption of Turmeric or Curcumin

turmeric and black pepperTurmeric’s ability to support the body has been well-researched; however, this spice by itself is difficult for the body to absorb. This bright yellow spice is also called curcumin, and it contains a prized antioxidant. Research is verifying curcumin’s ability to reduce: inflammation, depression, pain and diabetes.

At Natural Eye Care, we often recommend curcumin or turmeric as a dietary supplement for patients who have, or are at high risk for an eye condition related to inflammation. For example, macular degeneration
and glaucoma appear to have an inflammation component. Curcumin supports glutathione synthesis, which is an important antioxidant for vision.

Continue reading “Three Ways to Improve Absorption of Turmeric or Curcumin”