Eye Conditions

The eyes are small, but they have many parts including the eyelids, sclera, cornea, lens, optic nerve and retina. We depend heavily on our vision. When something goes wrong, the eyes are disproportionately affected. For example, a senior at risk of heart disease is also at risk of an ocular arterial or vein occlusion. Also, the macula requires a yellow-colored nutrient (lutein and zeaxanthin) found in certain vegetables such as green leafy vegetables, red, yellow and green peppers, corn and eggs. And antioxidants found in fresh fruits and vegetables have been shown to reduce oxidative eye damage and eye disease.
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The main indicator of age at first glance is facial wrinkles. Seniors who wish to maintain a youthful appearance are tempted to purchase wrinkle creams and supplements. Before buying, consumers should look at objective research. One supplement called astaxanthin has been shown in small studies to reduce wrinkling and enhance the skin. Astaxanthin is also excellent for the eyes. What is Astaxanthin made from? What are the benefits to the eyes and skin?
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Your doctor may have mentioned that gut health affects mood, cholesterol levels, immunity and cardiovascular health. Reducing sugar intake and increasing fiber is good advice. However, new research has found that a specific gut microorganism has a strong influence on gut health. Unfortunately, the champion bifidobacteria declines significantly with age. Scientists have found an antidote: a probiotic called xylooligosaccharides (XOS). Taking very small doses of XOS increased bifidobacteria populations in the gut.
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A large body of research shows green tea is a “super-antioxidant” that benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eyes are highly vulnerable to oxidative stress, so any antioxidant could have ocular benefits. However, green tea contains polyphenols, potent antioxidants that also reduce inflammation. Catechins in green tea are highly absorbable by eye tissues, unlike many other antioxidants. What does the research into green tea and vision show? How much green tea do you need to get these benefits? If you do not like tea, is there an alternative?
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Israeli ophthalmologists are researching nanoparticle eye drops to treat near-sightedness (myopia) and far-sightedness (hyperopia). Scientists at Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Bar-Ilan University are working on a three-step process to correct the cornea. The treatment needs to be repeated every month or two. However, patients should be able to receive the treatment at home using a smartphone. Therefore, the treatment could be widely available and convenient.
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Corneal abrasions are scratches on the outermost part of the eye. Sometimes a painful injury is the clear cause. Other times, symptoms can build slowly over a few hours. A corneal abrasion causes so much discomfort that sufferers should seek medical care quickly. The scratch can become infected and cause serious damage in as little as 24 hours. Therefore, recognizing a corneal abrasion could save your sight.

The cornea has 6 layers, and it is very sensitive. It helps the body regulate tear production. The cornea sends signals to the brain to direct it to tell the lacrimal glands whether more or less tears are needed every moment.
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Eye vitamins are crucial to vision health. In fact, the eye is the most vitamin-hungry organ in the body proportional to its size. It is the second most physiologically active part of our body only second to our brain. We believe the eyes require approximately 25% of the nutrients taken into the body to maintain full health. Any less may eventually result in eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts.

Many seniors suffer from these eye diseases. A lifetime of eye stressors, including excessive sunlight and poor diet, catches up with seniors. They also have less efficient digestion, poorer circulation and may have risk factors such as diabetes, long-term smoking, and lack of exercise. Dr. Grossman, a New York-based
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Almost everyone who plays sports is at risk of eye injury. From a flying puck in hockey to an eye poke in wrestling, all types of sports can result in eye injuries. Even the mild game of golf has a hidden hazard: the sun. Protective eyewear prevents most types of eye injury.

Why Protect the Eyes?

We depend heavily on our eyes to play sports. Hand-eye coordination is key. The eye is a delicate and exposed organ. Our eyelids provide some protection. We automatically blink when an object comes rapidly toward the eyes. The next level of defense is the cornea, the outermost protective layer of the eye. A scratched cornea is painful, but it preferable to life-changing lens or retinal damage.
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Is it possible to prevent cataracts, or even reverse cataracts? Can you put off cataracts surgery? Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases in seniors. More and more people have a special “glint” in their eye when the light hits the lens just right. What is the value of preventing cataracts and other eye diseases?

What Are Cataracts

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When eye injuries occur, eye first aid can prevent blindness and vision loss. Eye injuries can be inconsequential or life-changing. Know what to do with each type of eye injury. Also learn how to prevent injuries to the eyes. Most eye injuries can be prevented with protective eyewear. You should keep certain items on-hand in case of eye injuries.

Exposure to Chemicals

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