Cataracts Linked to Diet and Lifestyle Choices

Are cataracts just an inevitable part of getting older?  There is a lot of scientific research that indicates your diet and lifestyle choices actually have a lot to do with your risk of developing cataracts.

Smoking

Another study points to cigarettes as being a major cause of cataracts.  In fact, smoking is implicated as the cause 20% of all cataracts cases.  Men who smoke more than a pack a day increase their risk for cataracts by 205%!  For female smokers, that risk increases a still substantial 63%.

Diet

Vegetarians are less likely to get cataracts, according to British researchers. Because we know that cataract formation is often related to nutrition, scientists decided to study whether eating meat was related to whether one develops cataracts. A study of nearly 28,000 non-diabetic people over age forty determined that one’s risk of cataracts could be tracked based on diet.  Meat eaters were most likely to develop the eye condition followed by those who ate fish but not meat, and then vegetarians.  Vegans were the least likely to develop cataracts.  Source:  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Vitamin & Mineral Rich Diet

Researchers have determined that  women who eat a healthy vitamin- and mineral-rich diet may have a lower risk of developing  “nuclear” cataract – cataracts that affect the central part of the lens.  This is most prevalent type of cataract in the United States.  Risk of developing this type is greater as we age. They found in almost 2000 women that 41% had cataracts or had cataracts removed – that the women with no cataracts had a better overall diet than those who did have a cataract history. Published: June, 2010, Archives of Ophthalmology.

Glutathione

One important nutritional compound to lower the risk cataracts is glutathione which helps prevent the free radical damage that can lead to cataract formation. Glutathione is essential to the creation of tissue enzymes and is crucial to the prevention of free radical damage. Studies have shown that people who have cataracts have 80% less glutathione in their eyes than they need. Natural sources of glutathione include eggs, broccoli, avocados, garlic, onions

Sugar

One study indicates that sugar of all kinds can impinge upon the eye’s ability to keep the lens clear.

Sense of Touch Improves With Practice – Important Discovery for Braille Learners

reading braille
Image via ops.fhwa.dot.gov

Canadian researchers have published a paper that seeks to answer whether blind people enjoy an enhanced sense of touch because their brains are compensating for sight loss or because they use their fingertips to do so much.

According to the study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, it is the regular use of their fingertips to learn about their environment that explains blind individuals’ keen sense of touch.

In a trial that included 28 blind subjects and 55 sighted subjects, all were tested for sensitivity in their fingers and in their lower lips.  According to the source for this story, Medical News Today, “Researchers reasoned that, if daily dependence on touch improves tactile sensitivity, then blind participants would outperform the sighted on all fingers, and blind Braille readers would show particular sensitivity on their reading fingers. But if vision loss alone improves tactile sensitivity, then blind participants would outperform the sighted on all body areas, even those that blind and sighted people use equally often, such as the lips.”

It turns out that blind participants who read Braille performed markedly better on the fingertip sensitivity test, while all participants scored equally when it came to the powers of sensation in the lips.  Scientists are hoping to apply this knowledge to finding ways to improving the sense of touch, which is particularly important to those who become blind later in life and find it very difficult to master Braille.

 

Cataracts Surgery Can Involve Increased Risk for Patient With Diabetes

People who have diabetes often suffer from cataracts as well; in fact, they are more likely than the general population to develop cataracts.  Diabetics considering cataracts surgery need to consider their increased risk factors before they chose to undergo the procedure.

It is very important that patients’ blood sugar is well-controlled before surgery to increase their post-surgical healing ability.  It is especially important that patients’ inflammation levels are monitored and kept as low as possible during and after surgery.

According to Rupert Menapace, MD, of OSN Supersite, “We need atraumatic surgery to minimize the inflammatory response and avoid induction or exacerbation of diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. Even in uneventful cataract surgery, the risk of developing macular edema is high in diabetic patients, up to 10%.”  Macular edema is swelling of the macula, the small area of the retina responsible for central vision, of which the central 5% of the retina is most critical to vision.

Source: “Cataract surgery with comorbidities requires careful surgical management” at www.osnsupersite.com.

Electrical Stimulation Therapy Can Help Retinitis Pigmentosa Patients

electrical stim machineA new study of how electrical stimulation therapy (EST) can potentially help retinitis pigmentosa patients has recently been presented.

The study, performed by Okuvision GmbH and published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, involves stimulating the eye’s retina with small amounts of electrical current.  According to the source of this story, Medical News Today, “the findings from this study emphasize that electrical stimulation of the retina liberates growth factors which may be able to delay retinal degeneration.” Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/224224.php

For more research on treatments for retinitis pigmentosa, please visit our research pages.

We offer a microcurrent stimulation device that many patients have found improves eye conditions including macular degeneration by stimulating energy production (ATP) in the retina, improving circulation and reducing waste build-up.

Nanotechnology Could Bring Sight Back to Macular Degeneration Patients

person using microscopeFlowers could help people who have lost their vision to conditions like macular degeneration to see again.

A researcher named Richard Taylor out of the University of Oregon is experimenting with the cultivation of nanoflowers which grow from nano-sized particles of metal that will assemble themselves in a natural process called diffusion limited aggregation.  These particles will form fractals that can be implanted into the eye and actually communicate with the neurons in the eye and essentially repair the body’s damaged circuitry.

According to an article published in Physics World, Taylor is capitalizing on the remarkable similarities he finds between the eye and a digital camera.

Source: Medical News Today

Caffeine in Coffee May Offer Antioxidant Benefits

The antioxidants found in beverages and foods that contain caffeine seem to protect people against the development of Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.

In a study published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry B researchers describe how coffee can be on the greatest sources of antioxidants in the modern diet.  Scientists do not know exactly how coffee helps to fight the free radicals that can be destructive to eye health and overall health.  At this point, they are speculating that caffeine is the agent responsible for coffee antioxidant properties.

These findings are actually in direct opposition to our usual recommendations for people who suffer from eye conditions related to the presence of free radicals including macular degeneration and glaucoma.  More research is necessary to determine whether the benefits of caffeine outweigh its negative effects.

Source: sciencedaily.com

But, Too Much Coffee …

Five or more cups of coffee per day may cause an individual to hallucinate.

A study out of Australia’s La Trobe University looked at the roles that caffeine and stress play on instances of auditory hallucinations.  Participants who were under stress and under the effect of high levels of caffeine listened to white noise and were asked to indicate when they heard Bing Crosby sing “White Christmas.”  Those reporting highest stress and caffeine levels were much more likely to report hearing the song (which was never played) than were those with low stress and caffeine levels.

‘It is apparent that the health risks of excessive caffeine use must be addressed and caution should be raised with regards to the exacerbating use of this stimulant,’ says Professor Simon Crowe.

We caution clients and patients against consuming coffee and other sources of caffeine if they are concerned about eye conditions including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and dry eyes.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Support Healthy Eyes and Fight Macular Degeneration

Macular xanthophylls | Lutein & Zeaxanthin | Zeaxanthin  Lutein Absorption | Role of Antioxidants

Macular xanthophylls

Macular xanthophylls, perhaps better known as lutein and zeaxanthin, are well known for their role as protectors against age related macular degeneration (AMD). Research at the University of Georgia is also finding that lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation can help people with healthy vision. Taking dietary supplements high in lutein and zeaxanthin will boost one’s  ability to deal with glare and helps people recover more quickly from blinding flash of light. One more reason to boost your intake of these great little compounds? They have been linked to improved cognitive health in older adults.
Source: Oral supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin with coantioxidants may improve vision at 36 months for those at high risk for progression to late age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Lutein, Zeaxanthin, C, E & Zinc

This study examined the results of increasing blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin by supplementing with  lutein and zeaxanthin in addition to vitamins C and E and zinc for visual acuity for 433 AMD patients in the UK with early and late stage macular degeneration. The patients’ results were assessed  12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months later.  While there was no statistically significant difference was seen in best corrected distance visual acuity (BC DVA) at 12 months, such significance was seen after 36 months. The conclusion of this study (Carotenoids and Co-Antioxidants in Age-Related Maculopathy) was that supplementing with lutein and zeaxanthin  has a better effect  in patients with early AMD.  The researchers also found that higher levels lutein blood levels show a slower progression from early AMD to late AMD.

Lutein & Zeaxanthin from Food Sources

In patients with the highest levels of consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin from leafy greens, eggs, red and yellow peppers, the risk of Macular Degeneration (AMD) was 35% of the risk in people who did not eat abundant leafy greens.  Zinc was also protective.

Source:  J.S. Tan, et al. in Opthalmology, February 2008.

Lutein & Zeaxanthin in Diet

Another study in Australia studied the dietary and supplement intakes of antioxidants and the long-term risk of incident age-related macular degeneration. The results of the study showed those with higher levels of dietary lutein and zeaxanthin in their diets had a reduced risk of macular degeneration.

Source: Centre for Vision Research, University of Sydney, Australia, 2008

Lutein Absorption Enhanced by Vitamin C

Yet another study has determined that the valuable benefits of lutein are enhanced by supplementation of vitamin C in fighting macular degeneration. In order to consume the levels of lutein discussed in the above studies which are recommended for good eye health supplementation is often helpful.  Results from a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association suggest that it may be beneficial to take supplements of lutein along with vitamin C. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin gave young healthy men and women supplements of lutein alone, or supplements of lutein combined with vitamins C or E.  It was noted that absorption of lutein varied greatly among individuals, regardless of whether they had taken lutein alone or with vitamins C or E.  However, it was determined that lutein was absorbed significantly faster when given simultaneously with vitamin C. Learn about lutein and vitamin C supplements, as well as food sources for nutrients essential to good eye health.

Source:  “Lutein absorption is facilitated with co-supplementation of ascorbic acid in young adults”, Tanumihardjo, et al, J Am Dietetic Assoc 105:114-18, 2005.

Zeaxanthin

Another study shows that supplementing with zeaxanthin can raises macula pigment optical density (MP) and has unique visual benefits for patients with atrophic early AMD having visual symptoms. Zeaxanthin can be found in dark, leafy greens (like turnip greens, collard greens, kale, spinach and romaine lettuce). Orange peppers are the highest source of zeaxanthin.

The Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study in Atrophic Age Related Macular Degeneration (ZVF-FDA IND #78,973) – MP and Foveal Shape Discrimination: S.P. Richer1, W. Stiles1, M. Lavin, K. Graham1, C. Thomas1, D. Park3. J. Nyland1, J Wrobel

Why Antioxidants Fight Macular Degeneration

A study from Cornell and Brigham Young Universities shows why eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help hold off macular degeneration’s damage to central vision. Researchers determined that two processes in the retina, combined, contribute to a higher risk of developing macular degeneration. They found that a compound labeled A2E accumulates and damages the mitochondria of cells – the part of the cell which converts nutrients to energy.  A2E is a byproduct of cell activity which is not naturally broken down or removed through the body’s natural elimination processes. The combination of accumulated A2E and free radicals which have accumulated due to exposure to sunlight the work of mitochondria is disrupted.   This means that the cell has less energy available for the normal processes of removing toxins, maintaining health of retina, macula, photoreceptor and other cells of the eye.  This in turn results in even greater A2E accumulation. The role of antioxidants is that they disrupt the destructive cycle and support  the health of, and consequently, the lifetime of cells in the eye which cannot be replaced. “The implication is that people at risk of macular degeneration could help prevent the disease by consuming antioxidants,” said BYU chemist Heidi Vollmer-Snarr. Researchers: Brigham Young University and Weill Medical College of Cornell University Published: Journal of Biological Chemistry, September, 2008

Macular xanthophylls | Lutein & Zeaxanthin |  Lutein Absorption | Role of Antioxidants  

Other sources:

Women’s Health Study. Archives of Ophthalmology (Arch. Ophthalmol. 2008;126:102-9)

Moeller SM et al. Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (CAREDS). Archives of Ophthalmology 124:1151-1162, 2006.

Lutein & Glare

A new study indicates that the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin may help improve vision under glare conditions such as bright sunlight or the beams of car headlights.

Scientists at the Vision Science Laboratory at the University of Georgia recently studied the relationship of lutein and zeaxanthin on macular pigment (MP), glare disability, and photostress recovery.

The macula helps filter damaging light rays. When the concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula is higher, the higher density of macular pigment enables the macula to absorb the light rays more efficiently.

Researchers studied forty healthy subjects (average age of 23.9) for six months, giving assessments at baseline, 1, 2, 4, and 6 months. Subjects were given 12mg daily of lutein and zeaxanthin supplements.

After 6 months, the lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation was shown to significantly reduce the negative effects of glare for both the visual performance tasks assessed for most of the subjects.

SOURCE: “Macular pigment and visual performance under glare conditions”, Stringham and Hammond, Optom Vis Sci., 2008 Feb;85(2):82-8

Antioxidants Can Cut Trans Fats In Cooking Oils

image by homyox

Scientists may have found a new way to reduce the trans-fats that are formed when cooking oils are exposed to heat.  They are adding antioxidants to oils during the manufacturing process

While trans fats are naturally found in small amounts in foods, the food industry has found that partially hydrogenating vegetable oil in order to create artificial trans fats can help extend the shelf life in packaged foods.  The problem is that trans fats raise “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and decrease “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels and also increase individuals’ inflammation levels.

A study in the journal Food Chemistry describes how adding certain antioxidant compounds to the oils when they are packaged and to foods when cooked in that oil can help change the molecular structure of the oils and keep them from forming the sort of bonds that are associated with trans fats.

Source: Food Navigator USA

Vitamin D Linked to Lower Macular Degeneration Risk

Women under 75 | Annual Survey | Vitamin D3 | D Sources

molecular structure
Image via dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

Vitamin D – and the fact that so many people are deficient in this vital compound – has been in the news a lot lately.  A lack of vitamin D has been linked to asthma in children, the development of cancers, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Vitamin D impacts the health of the eyes as well.
A number of  studies show that low vitamin D3 levels correspond to an increase in the incidence of age related macular degeneration.

Editor’s Note: Vitamin D3 is one of the super nutrients that should be part of everyone’s diet, and should be added as a supplement particularly for people who do not get much exposure daily to the sun.  Vitamin D3 has also been tied to helping prevent cancer, improve immune function and bone health, regulate insulin and blood pressure, and more. (Researchers: Parekh N, et al.)

Women Under 75 & Vitamin D

A new study published in The Archives of Ophthalmology finds that women under age 75 can reduce their risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by increasing their intake of vitamin D.  A study of over 1300 women found that eating foods rich in vitamin D and taking dietary supplements, but not necessarily time spent in direct sunlight (often considered the best way to get vitamin D), was linked to decreased chances of AMD.  Compared to those who consumed the least vitamin D, those who consumed the most vitamin D were 59% less likely to show signs of AMD.

Those consuming the highest amount (on average about 600 IU) daily had a 59% lower risk of AMD compared to those getting the least amount of 300 IU on average.

Ref: Millen AE, et al. Vitamin D status and early age-related macular degeneration in postmenopausal women. Arch Ophthalmol 129:481-89, 2011.

Note: Research shows that the destructive effects of inflammation on the retina’s blood supply (choroid) and the pigment-containing cells of the retina may play a major role in the development of macular degeneration. Vitamin D may help due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, as well as strong antioxidant benefits.

Another study  shows that high doses of vitamin D may help women under age 75 fight off macular degeneration (AMD).

Because of its abilities to fight inflammation and support immune health, vitamin D may help suppress the cascade of destructive inflammation  that happens during the early stages of AMD.

Women between age 50 and 79 in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study were evaluated to determine protective effects of vitamin D intake in the forms of food, nutritional supplements, and sunlight.  Taking vitamin D in supplement form proved to be more helpful in preventing the onset of macular degeneration than exposure to sunlight.  Source: OSN Supersite

This study substantiates two earlier studies:

Annual National Survey

Researchers using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988 through 1994) have found evidence that consuming vitamin D may help ward off age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

In this study, 7752 individuals (including 11% with AMD) were given retinal photographs, dietary intake questionnaires, and blood tests to calculate blood vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels.  Based on these vitamin D blood levels, participants were divided into 5 groups.   Participants in the group with the highest vitamin D levels showed 40% lower risk of developing early AMD than those in the lowest group.

Analysis was also conducted to evaluate associations with important food and supplemental sources of vitamin D.

  • People who drank milk daily decreased their risk of developing AMD, as did those who took supplemental vitamin D consistently but didn’t drink milk daily.
  • Fish consumption was also linked with a lower risk of advanced AMD.

Vitamin D3 Levels

A 2007 study showed the low levels of Vitamin D3 is linked to an increase in the prevalence of macular degeneration.

Source: Parekh N, Chappell RJ, Millen AE, Albert DM, Mares JA. Association Between Vitamin D and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 Through 1994. Arch Ophthalmol. May 2007;125: 661-669.

Vitamin D Sources

What are good sources of vitamin D?  Consider fish — it’s naturally rich in vitamin D.  Milk and breakfast cereals are generally fortified with vitamin D as well.  If you are taking supplemental D, vitamin D3 is the most readily absorbable form of D.

Research on Pancreatic Cells May Yield New Diabetes Therapies

Diabetes develops when the pancreas, which produces insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, does not function properly and insulin levels drop.  Type I diabetes results in juveniles and generally requires insulin injections and type II diabetes, known as adult onset, is generally less severe and often may be controlled with oral medication and careful diet.  In the world of vision, the control of diabetes is very important because one side effect of uncontrolled diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, in which vision may be lost entirely.

Scientists at UCLA are working to make other cells in the body act like pancreatic beta cells in a quest to find exciting new therapies for diabetes.  A study published in Developmental Cell describes how researchers may have determined the process that would allow them to convert cells into becoming those essential pancreatic beta cells.

According to study co-author Dr. Anil Bhushan, “Our work shows that beta cells and related endocrine cells can easily be converted into each other.”

Prior to this research scientists had believed that cells retain their own “identity” – and that pancreatic cells would only function as pancreatic cells; that endocrine cells would only function as endocrine cells.  Recent work however, has demonstrated that some cell types can change into other cell types – a determination that is stimulating researchers’ interest in exploring the mechanism of how this is possible.