Oxidative stress may be at the root of many eye diseases. The body depends on a careful balance between oxidants and antioxidants. When that balance is disrupted, delicate tissues in the eye can be damaged. In this article, we will focus on an important antioxidant defense system called the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway, abbreviated as NRF2. We will also look at how this system may relate to major eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma—conditions that together account for many cases of vision loss and blindness worldwide.
Free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), are oxidants produced as by-products of aerobic metabolism. In addition to the natural metabolic production of ROS, environmental sources such as light, smoking, and exposure to or intake of heavy metals also contribute to increased ROS burden. 1
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At Natural Eye Care, we want to keep our readers informed about new developments in health and wellness. Sometimes that means looking at breakthrough medical research, such as promising new cancer treatment technology or new findings about inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. It also means helping you better understand how inflammation may affect eye health and sharing natural ways to support overall wellness. In this article, we bring these topics together to highlight how ongoing research and whole-body health can both contribute to long-term well-being.
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Scientific studies strongly suggest that artificial sweeteners, once thought to be safe alternatives to sugar, are linked to significant health risks. Key findings include increased risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cognitive decline, and potential carcinogenicity.1 2 Artificial sweeteners discussed include erythritol, sucralose, and aspartame, which can alter gut microbiota,3 increase inflammation, and cause blood clotting.
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A large body of scientific research backs up the claim that astaxanthin is great for your body. As a potent antioxidant, astaxanthin scavenges free radicals that cause cellular damage. This benefits many parts of the body, including your skin, eyes, and brain. What is astaxanthin? Where does it come from? And what does the latest research say about its benefits?
Astaxanthin is a marine xanthophyll carotenoid primarily produced by microalgae like Haematococcus pluvialis. Dietary astaxanthin can be obtained through seafood, including salmon, trout, shrimp, and krill.
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If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition later in life, you’ve probably noticed that most “eye health” conversations focus on vitamins.1 Those can be important, but researchers are also exploring a different strategy: helping retinal cells survive stress.2
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Vitamin D is often called the “bone vitamin,” but that’s only part of the story. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) also influences systems your eyes rely on every day—especially as we get older: inflammation control, immune regulation, oxidative stress protection, and even how the body manages blood vessel growth.
And here’s the real-world issue: most people don’t get enough vitamin D consistently. Food sources are limited, sunlight is seasonal and complex (plus many of us avoid it for skin health), and modern indoor life takes care of the rest.
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The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its long-awaited update to the nation’s dietary guidelines on January 7, 2026, promising a “historic reset” that puts real, minimally processed food back at the center of American nutrition policy 1. Chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are high, and these guidelines aim to “Make America Healthy Again.”
On the other hand, the Mediterranean Diet is popular for its proven benefits in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting long-term wellness. It focuses on plant-based meals, healthy fats, and a balanced lifestyle. At Natural Eye Care, we adapted the Mediterranean Diet specifically for people with vision issues and called it the Vision Diet. This diet includes additional recommendations on antioxidant intake, organic foods, and avoiding certain additives and fats 2.
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In the USA, our diets are usually high in ultra-processed foods, fat, sugar, salt, and empty calories. Poor nutrition has been linked to declines in mental health, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. It can also compromise eye health, contributing to conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and macular degeneration. A nutrient-poor diet can also impair brain, cardiac, and neurological function, weaken immunity, and contribute to obesity.
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Did you know that two substances of Asian origin, nattokinase and serrapeptase, have significant health benefits? Scientific studies have revealed some of the reasons why longevity is associated with regular consumption of serrapeptase and nattokinase supplements. Specifically, we will discuss cardiovascular disease, eye issues such as floaters, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, internal scar tissue from autoimmune disorders, lung disease, sinusitis, neurological disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease.
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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.
