A new study shows that omega-3 fatty acids could help with wet macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is expected to increase by 50% in older adults in industrialized countries by 2020. As the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly, it is a condition of serious significance. The macula is the central part of the retina. While it makes up only about 2% of the total retina, the brain devotes half of its visual processing network to information from the macula. It is responsible for central vision. The retina is a thin layer of nerves
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This report, called “Green Tea Catechins and Their Oxidative Protection in the Rat Eye,” is the first to detail how all the eye tissue take in green tea’s antioxidants, called “catechins.” This research may ultimately show how green tea could help stave off glaucoma and other eye diseases.
Antioxidants are important because they attack free radicals, molecules that create oxidative stress. Significant research points to free radical damage as a potential cause of disease, damage and aging to the
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New evidence continues to support dietary lutein, carotenoids, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin as a means of inhibiting development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the leading cause of loss of vision in Western people over age 55.
A study published in 2010, in Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics by the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at University of Utah, found that production of singlet oxygen in the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid is prevented or reduced by lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin, which act as
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CoQ10 deficiency and supplementation were explained in an article by Michael S. Pepper and his colleagues at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. The article in the March, 2013 issue of Nutrition Reviews covered both primary and secondary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency.
In primary CoQ10 deficiency, the body cannot properly synthesize CoQ10 because of genetic mutations. The gene sequences needed to produce the enzymes are incorrect.
A fruit cup of mixed berries is a powerful snack: deeply colored fruits are filled with flavonoids and other antioxidants that help protect the body from disease. Antioxidants help prevent free-radical damage, which is believed to be responsible for the onset of eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
The colored flavonoids found in berries are called “anthocyanins”. These water-soluble pigments make plants shades of red, purple and blue. Berries also contain flavonoids called “quercetin” and “apigenin”. In the field or in the wild, these flavonoids help protect the plant from pests and insects.
A significant study has found that the deleterious effects of traumatic brain injury in American football players can be mitigated using a natural regimen of weight loss (if needed), fish oil, vitamins, and brain-enhancing supplements including ginkgo biloba. The positive results could help reverse brain damage in contact sport athletes, alcohol and drug addicts, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and people who have had brain damage from concussions.
Should you take extra Vitamin A if you have Stargardt’s Disease? Vitamin A supplementation is frequently recommended for certain eye diseases (AMD and Retinitis Pigmentosa, for example). This nutrient is crucial for rebuilding photoreceptors cells and proper retinal functioning. However, a study on mice published in “Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science” indicated that Stargardt’s Disease patients may be damaged by taking Vitamin A.
Age-related macular degeneration is a serious and common eye ailment in the aging population, but an Italian study showed that taking just 4mg of astaxanthin per day mitigated the symptoms.
ARMD — Age-Related Macular Degeneration – is the gradual breakdown of the cells of the macula. The macula a small, yellow-colored part of the eye that is near the center of the retina. When this breaks down, central vision is compromised. People with ARMD often have difficulty recognizing faces, reading, writing, and driving. Peripheral vision is unaffected.
As people age, eye diseases and conditions that commonly occur include macular degeneration, cataracts, vitreous tears/retinal tears and detachments, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eyes, and eye floaters.
The question arises as to whether eye disease is inevitable with age. Will all older adults eventually have a “glint” in their eyes after cataracts surgery? More than 50% of people aged 75+ have glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. Can aging adults do anything to prevent, manage or slow down eye diseases associated with aging?
A large body of research is accumulating that shows the effects of regular eye exercises, good nutrition, and targeted supplementation on preventing and/or managing eye conditions. For instance, peer-reviewed research has shown that the risk of getting macular degeneration can be significantly reduced by taking fish oil and lutein on a daily basis. Vigorous exercise may reduce the incidence of glaucoma. And the effects of antioxidants on preventing cataract and macular degeneration have been the subject of significant research.
Natural Eye Care, Inc.
3 Paradies Lane
New Paltz, New York 12561
Phone: 845.475.4158
NaturalEyeCare™ started in 1999 to help the public and professionals learn about complementary care in eye disease treatment.
The information and recommendations we offer are based on over 30 years of peer review research and personal clinical experience which guides us in providing a valuable resource to our readers, customers and patients regarding maintaining healthy vision naturally.
We believe that vision health is intimately connected to overall mental, physical and spiritual health. Therefore we encourage people to look at their overall lifestyle and diet as part of keeping healthy vision and reducing the risk of eye disease onset. This includes diet, regular exercise, and management of daily stress. If one has health issues such as high blood pressure, a thyroid imbalance, any autoimmune disease and/or are on medication(s), these possible contributions to eye disease should considered when working with your health care professional.
Please do not hesitate to call us at 845.475.4158 with any questions and concerns.
