Glaucoma

The digestive tract is filled with over 100 trillion microorganisms, many of which are needed for gut health — and good health.¹ The gut flora, as they are called, has a similar function to that of other organs in the body.² The intestinal microorganisms are their own environment. This environment aids the body’s immune system and helps keep you healthy.³

The health of the eyes depends upon the health of these gut microorganisms. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and dry eye disease (DED) are impacted by inflammation in the gut.

Gut Health Basics

Seventy percent of the human immune system is a result of the complex ecosystem of microorganisms.
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What Harms Eyesight?

Our eyes are constantly exposed to the external environment with frequent excess exposure to UVA/UVB light. Natural exposure to the sun is exacerbated by blue light exposure from mobile phones, E-readers, handheld gaming electronics, TV, computer monitors, and fluorescent and LED lighting.

In addition to blue/UV light, our long hours on computers and mobile phones cause stress on our visual system. Physical and visual fatigue reduces the free flow of energy and circulation to the eyes, often accompanied by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
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Your Eyes Benefit from Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-zeaxanthin

Lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are potent antioxidants found in green leafy vegetables, eggs, corn and even chocolate. They have a profound effect on preserving healthy vision, brain function, the immune and cardiovascular systems.

New research is focusing less on the well-established understanding of local benefit from nutrients, e.g. lutein for macular degeneration or cataract, and more on its systemic benefits affecting the immune system, the brain and cognitive function, the eye, cancer, and cardiovascular health.¹ In addition, new research is focused on the “why” of the benefit of these carotenoids.
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High Blood Pressure and Vision Health

Hypertension increases sharply with advancing age; hence older persons are those most affected by its negative consequences.

High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the retina. The retina is the layer of tissue at the back part of the eye. It changes light and images that enter the eye into nerve signals that are sent to the brain.

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Why is nitric oxide important for vision?

Nitric oxide, one of the principal oxides of nitrogen, is produced naturally to assist with many health aspects. It contributes to vasodilation, relaxing the muscles that line your blood vessels allowing them to widen and improve circulation.  In that capacity it allows nutrients and oxygen to travel throughout the body efficiently.

As a free radical, in excess, nitric oxide (NO) contributes to inflammation, so should only be taken in recommended dosages.  In a balanced system, it is beneficial and can actually reduce inflammation. And in the case of glaucoma, it can be helpful in reducing elevated eye pressure (IOP) naturally.
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Did you know that how well your gut works is directly related to your healthy vision and your healthy brain?

Healthy gut microbiota function is linked to normal central nervous system (CNS) function. The microbiota is defined as all microorganisms in a particular location, such as the GI tract, and their respective genetic material. The microbiome is initially developed transmission through the placenta, amniotic fluid, and meconium. The human gut microbiota comprises more than 100 trillion microorganisms associated with multiple functions, from nutrient metabolism to protection against pathogens.
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The most common form of glaucoma is “open-angle” glaucoma, where the eye pressure or IOP remains higher than normal (typically 8-20 mm Hg). Eye doctors also look at changes in peripheral field typically measured with a visual fields test and any changes in the optic nerve such as optic nerve thinning or increased cupping. Ocular hypertension is diagnosed when IOP is higher than normal but there as no signs of glaucoma. In addition glaucoma can occur without high IOP, “normal or low tension glaucoma.”
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What is the optic nerve and what does it do?

The optic nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that serves as the communication cable between your eyes and your brain. The nerve fibers have a special coating called myelin.

What are the most common eye diseases associated with impaired optic nerve?

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Our bodies are designed to handle stressful situations, referred to as the “flight or fight” mode, wherein when we need to quickly react, the body goes into action and produces hormones that stimulate the adrenal system, raise cortisol levels, and gets our muscles instantly ready to go. Once that situation is resolved, our body has the remarkable ability to return back to homeostasis or normal balance quickly.

But modern-day life may keep one in flight or fight readiness too often. This may be due to ongoing work pressure, relationship and money issues, or the stress related to COVID-19. Chronic stress can, over time, overwork the adrenal system resulting in fatigue and poor circulation.  In turn, fatigue and poor circulation limit the ability of the body to deliver essential nutrients to the eyes.

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Getting a thorough eye exam has always been about more than reading letters off an eye chart. That is even truer today. One reason: We are harder on our eyes than ever before. Many of us spend hours each day staring and squinting at screens, developing digital eyestrain, and exposing our eyes to potentially damaging blue light.

But the typical tests offered during a standard eye exam may not go far enough to find problems as early as possible. Even a basic dilated eye exam may not be enough.
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