Mediterranean Diet & Macular Degeneration

The Mediterranean Diet, based on consumption of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes, and olive oil has been linked to many health benefits.  The diet, based on foods eaten in Greece, southern Italy, and Spain, is low in saturated fats and high in fiber and monounsaturated fats.

When combined with regular exercise this way of eating has been strongly associated with many symptoms of improved health: decreased mortality, lowered cardiovascular risk factors, and weight loss.  Research now associates a lowered risk of developing macular degeneration with the Mediterranean Diet.

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Optic Neuritis: A Complete Overview from Natural Eye Care

optic nerve - neuritisOptic neuritis is swelling and inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause eye pain, visual impairment, dull colors, and/or flashing lights. Since the optic nerve carries visual information to the brain, any symptoms of optic neuritis should be checked by a doctor immediately. If a patient has just one incident, chances are good that they will fully recover. However, inflammation of the optic nerve can be the first sign of multiple sclerosis, a serious degenerative disease.

One of the dangers of this problem is that the optic nerve can lose some of its myelin. The myelin sheath is fatty tissue that protects the nerves. When the myelin sheath is compromised, the nerves can be damaged. This is one important reason to consult Continue reading “Optic Neuritis: A Complete Overview from Natural Eye Care”

Nourishing Vegetarian Stuffed Pumpkin

This tasty presentation is fabulous to take to a Thanksgiving potluck!

The recipe is for pumpkin, but Long Island Cheese, a white/buff C. moschata type of squash which is paler than a pumpkin outside with a rich nutty flavor is superb. Another great squash for this recipe is the dark green Kabocha squash for a dramatic color contrast at the table. But any large squash or pumpkin at least 10″ inches in diameter would suit very nicely. You can do a lot of the prep work the day or two days before. Continue reading “Nourishing Vegetarian Stuffed Pumpkin”

Antioxidant Astaxanthin Helps Prevent AMD, Eye Fatigue & More

Haematococcus-pluvialisA humble micro-algae produces a powerful antioxidant:  astaxanthin.  It does so to protect itself from ultraviolet radiation. Research shows that astaxanthin protects the human eyes and brain from serious diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, as well as conditions like computer eye strain and eye fatigue (asthenopia)[3. https://www.naturaleyecare.com/study.asp?s_num=248]. Astaxanthin supplements are easy to take with no side effects. They are especially helpful as people age and begin to develop serious chronic conditions. Continue reading “Antioxidant Astaxanthin Helps Prevent AMD, Eye Fatigue & More”

Computers & Your Eyes Part I: Computer Vision Syndrome

computer-eye-syndromeElectronics have become primary obsessions in our personal and work lives. This has lead to nearly everyone becoming susceptible to Computer Vision Syndrome. Symptoms include dry eyes, eye strain, blurred vision, headaches, double vision, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue and/or and head, neck and shoulder pain.

Additionally, heavy computer use has been associated with glaucoma[1. https://www.naturaleyecare.com/articles/glaucoma-and-heavy-computer-use.asp] Electronics screens emit blue light that can damage the retina, leading to macular degeneration.[2. Do blue light filters confer protection against age-related macular degeneration? by Margrain TH et. al. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2004 Sep;23(5):523-31. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15302349] Close-up work is associated with myopia (nearsightedness).[3. “Risk factors for myopia in a discordant monozygotic twin study.” Ramessur R, Williams KM, Hammond CJ. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2015 Sep 17. doi: 10.1111/opo.12246. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26376775] Continue reading “Computers & Your Eyes Part I: Computer Vision Syndrome”

Amino Acid Taurine is Crucial to Healthy Vision

amino acid taurineYour body is 1/1000th taurine, a chemical essential to life. The amino acid taurine is crucial for vision.  It supports function of the heart, skeletal muscle, and the central nervous system.[1] The pancreas produces taurine, and taurine is a major component of digestive bile. The chemical can be ingested from meats, fish and supplements, such as pills and energy drinks.

In the 1970s, experiments on animals deprived of taurine found they did not develop proper vision. Since then, Continue reading “Amino Acid Taurine is Crucial to Healthy Vision”

Algae May Restore Sight – Channelrhodopsin-2

ChlamydomonasA type of algae offers hope of restoring sight to patients with retinal diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Chlamydomona reinhardtii green algae uses a protein called Channelrhodopsin-2. This protein sits on the membrane of algae and opens or closes a tunnel-like structure in response to light. In essence, it detects light and transmits that information via electricity.

The research by Dr. Zhou-Hua Pan from Wayne State University could, in the future, provide vision restoration Continue reading “Algae May Restore Sight – Channelrhodopsin-2”

Saffron Helps Macular Degeneration in Antioxidant Study

saffronTaking saffron pills improved the visual acuity of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients in a small study. Macular degeneration is the gradual deterioration of the small, yellow-colored part of the eye near the center of the retina.

Saffron contains carotenoids called crocin and crocetin. These antioxidants have been shown to have a protective effect on retinal cells. Continue reading “Saffron Helps Macular Degeneration in Antioxidant Study”

Myopia: The Inside Story & New Treatment Options

myopia in school childMyopia, also called “nearsightedness,” is a common eye condition that requires correction with eye glasses. If severe, it can lead to serious eye conditions. Myopia is a refractive error in which close objects are clear, but distant objects are blurry. This is because the refracted image is in focus in front of the retina. Typically, the myopic eye is elongated; however, myopia can also be caused by a distorted cornea.

This disorder affects around 33% of the population of the United States. In some East Asian countries, over 90% of the population is myopic.[1] It is typically detected in children Continue reading “Myopia: The Inside Story & New Treatment Options”

Scientist Uncover Dark Circles’ Secrets

dark circles under eyesDark circles under the eyes can make you  feel like you look tired or old.  They are a major cosmetic concern for both men and women, although women seem to feel the weight of the problem. They are a difficult issue to address because they are caused by a variety of conditions – some of which do not respond well to treatment, diet or lifestyle factors.

Scientists can measure skin color in order to accurately determine degree of changes using a spectral imaging camera that detects skin chromophores – the parts of molecules that determine its color.  This improvement on contact-type spectrophotometers allows better evaluation of skin color. Continue reading “Scientist Uncover Dark Circles’ Secrets”