Central Serous Choroidopathy |
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Facts:
Certain nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vinpocetine,
l-lysine, a number of vitamins & enzymes, and fish oil may help
heal Central Serous Choroidopathy and preserve vision. Some
research indicates that daily use of Microcurrent Stimulation may help preserve
vision as well.
See self help and prevention tips.
Overview:
Central serous choroidopathy (CSR) presents most commonly in young men, 20 to 50 years of age, with a rather sudden onset of blurred vision in one eye, minification of images, reduced color vision, or a central "blind spot" in the involved eye. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but the disorder is characterized by "leakage" of fluid in the central macula. Patients with CSR generally have vision in the 20/20 to 20/100 range and a serous (clear fluid) retinal detachment may be discovered by the examining ophthalmologist. A fluorescein angiogram may be utilized to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms:
- A dim and blurred blind spot in the center of vision
- Objects appearing smaller or further away with the affected eye
- Distortion of straight lines with the affected eye
Causes:
The cause of this condition is unknown. Most patients are young men with aggressive, "type A" personalities, but anyone can be affected.
Stress appears to be a risk factor. The condition can also occur as a complication of steroid drug use.
Conventional Treatment:
Most cases clear up without treatment in 1 or 2 months. Patients with more severe leakage and more severe visual loss or longer persistence of disease may be helped by laser treatment to seal the leak.
Patients who are using steroid drugs (for example, to treat autoimmune diseases) should discontinue their use if medically feasible. Any change in steroid drug use in these conditions MUST be under the supervision of a physician.
A small number of patients will have complications of laser treatment which impair central vision, which is why most patients will be allowed to recover without treatment.
Complementary Treatment:Shopping Tips
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On a tight budget?
Here's our single most important recommendation:
Doctor's Choice:
Vital Eyes Complete -
Vital Eyes Complete 60 capsules
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Essential: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula -
Dr. Grossman's Advanced Eye & Vision (whole food) Support Formula - 60 vcaps per bottle Essential: MacuHealth with LMZ -
90 capsules (3 month supply) with10mg of meso-zeanthin per capsule. Meso-zeanthin is an essential antioxidant found in the macula (center of the retina). Essential: Carlsons Super Omega-3 250 - 1000 mg gelcaps -
Omega-3 250 gelcaps 1,000mg per gelcap - Natural Lemon Flavor Very Important: Vital Eyes Complete -
Vital Eyes Complete 60 capsules Very Important: Microcurrent Stimulation 100ile Purchase Option -
helps stimulate energy production (ATP) in the retina, improve circulation and reduce waste build-up. Important: Pure Focus -
is a liquid based formula absorbed sublingually (under the tongue) for vision health. Important: Gingko Biloba Extract (2 oz bottle) -
2oz bottle - Ginkgo Biloba has superb antioxidant and circulatory supporting actions. Helpful: Astaxanthin 60 gels -
this is a powerful antioxidant in the retina. Helpful: Fruits N Greens 180 gm -
180 gram organic formula loaded with fruits, vegetables and herbs. Recommended Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs & Other Nutritional Products
Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:
Diet & Nutrition
- Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin such as Dr. Grossman's Whole Food Multivitamin and/or a good green drink such as Nanogreens.
- The Vision Diet - recommended in Natural Eye Care: An Encyclopedia on CD, authored by Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac. and Michael Edson, MS, L.Ac. This CD covers 29 major eye conditions with specific nutrient, diet, exercise and juicing instructions by eye condition, plus much more.
- daily juicing of vegetables and fruits (preferably organic). Our recipe for this condition is some combination of the following: ginger, garlic, leeks, parsley, beets, cabbage, carrots, celery, spinach, kale, collard greens, apples, grapes, raspberries, lemon, chlorophyll, wheat grasses - (not too much fruit). See more info on juicing.
- Reduce or eliminate drinking caffeine and sodas
- Avoid aspartame (labeled diet foods) and man made fats (corn oil and safflower oil, trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils including canola oil, and especially margarines).
- Eliminate deep fat fried foods
- Avoid monosodium glutanate (MSG) used as a flavor enhancer which is a potential retinal toxin (Inv Oph 1996; 37: 1618-24)
- Avoid fat blockers like Olestra which impair the absorption of carotenoids (Argus, August 1996;19:18:July 1996;19:22). Eating greater amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol also appear to increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
- Limit your alcohol consumption to 1 glass of red wine at night. Alcohol interferes with liver functions, reducing protective glutathione levels (Alcohol 1993;10;469-75).
Lifestyle & General Health
- Eliminate smoking. Smoking among other things produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
- Limit the amount of medications (both prescription and non-prescription as much as possible. Make sure to work closely with your doctor.
- Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.
- Manage your emotional health, which is very important in maintaining physical health. Fear (fear of failure, responsibility, of being alone, of death, etc.) is at the root of many of life's problems, and is a major factor in many diseases. Take up the practice of meditation, yoga, tai chi, walks in the woods or prayer on a daily basis.
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