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Macular Degeneration

Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Meso-Zeaxanthin – An Update

Your Eyes Benefit from Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-zeaxanthin

food high in Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Meso-zeaxanthinLutein, 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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  1. Buscemi S, Corleo D, Di Pace F, Petroni ML, Satriano A, Marchesini G. The Effect of Lutein on Eye and Extra-Eye Health. Nutrients. 2018 Sep 18;10(9):1321.

Microcurrent Stimulation for Eye Disease (and more)

microcurrent stimulation

Microcurrent stimulation treatment protocols are designed to help people with retinal disease. MCS works by supporting nourishment and healing to the back of the eyes as well as possibly some cell regeneration. Retinal tissue is easily the most complex tissue in the entire body, and we tell people that they need to commit to regular treatment for a year, because it may take up to a year before they first see results, though benefits may be seen much sooner.

For individuals researching microcurrent for eyes, microcurrent eye therapy, or a microcurrent eye treatment approach for retinal health, microcurrent stimulation therapy has been studied for its potential to support retinal and optic nerve function.

A number of research studies have suggested that daily use of specific microcurrent stimulation for eyes helps promote retinal (as well as optic nerve) health in 3 different ways:


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Gut Microbiota, Vision, and Mental Health

gut microbes and dietDid 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 Sun and Your Eyes: Enemy or Friend?

Does Sunlight Danger Outweigh the Benefits?

Many studies demonstrate that exposure to sunlight provides protection to diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and a variety of cancers, and avoiding sunlight may influence their progression.1  It has been thought that these protections are due only to vitamin D, whose creation requires sunlight, but researchers are now reporting that circadian clock influencing, immune response modification, and nitric oxide, melatonin, and serotonin formation are involved as well.2 In fact, researchers are finding that the risk of skin cancer increases with irregular patterns of sun exposure, while regular patterns convey relatively lower risk.  This is the difference between getting sunburned versus a brisk daily walk in the sunlight.
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  1. Razzaque MS. (2018). Sunlight exposure: Do health benefits outweigh harm? J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. Jan;175:44-48.
  2. Van der Rhee HJ, de Vries E, Coebergh JW. (2016). Regular sun exposure benefits health. Med Hypotheses. Dec;97:34-37.

Melatonin: More than a Sleep Aid

What is Melatonin?

melatonin and sleepingMelatonin is a hormone primarily released by the pineal gland at night, and has long been associated with control of the sleep–wake cycle. It is typically taken at night before bedtime as a supplement. In addition to melatonin’s application as a sleep aid, this supplement can also be used for lowering eye pressure — such as in cases of open angle glaucoma or glaucoma suspects.  Research shows melatonin may also protect the eye’s macula by supporting the functioning of the mitochondria, the tiny “batteries” in each cell. Alzheimer’s disease appears to be linked to poor quality sleep and melatonin production; therefore, melatonin may prove to be a useful supplement and research is underway. Keep reading for details plus information about supplements available on this website.
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Back in Stock! Dr. Grossman’s Blood Vessel Control Formula


blood vessels
The structures in the back of the eye are supported by a complex array of capillaries and larger blood vessels. One reason why the body may try to grow new blood vessels (referred to as angiogenesis) is if these blood vessels are at all impaired, reducing the body’s ability to deliver blood, oxygen and essential nutrients to the back of the eyes, as well as effectively eliminate normal waste. Another reason may be lack of available essential nutrients for retinal and optic nerve support possibly due to a poor diet, lack of exercise, digestive issues or inflammatory conditions for example.
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Effect of Stress on Our Eyes & Health

stressors such as covid fear trigger the fight or flight responseOur 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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Herbs that Fight Abnormal Microbleeding in Macular Degeneration & Diabetic Eye Disease

retinal bleeding from diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration

Macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy have something in common. Although the indirect causes may be different, a consequence of untreated AMD or untreated diabetes is similar. Untreated, both conditions may result in macular microbleeding, in which abnormal capillaries develop (angiogenesis) that leak fluid or blood into the retina. A holistic approach may reduce the risk of the development of abnormal blood vessels bleeding into the retina and destroying vision
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How to Slow Macular Degeneration Progression

Researchers have found that certain supplement combinations actually modify how genes and proteins affect the behavior of white blood cells in the retina. They are investigating the reasons why certain supplements are helpful against macular degeneration. The answer may be that compounds in the supplements regulate the white blood cells (macrophage phenotypes).1

Seniors in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can become desperate to slow down the eye disease’s progression. The eye doctor typically suggests quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, and getting regular eye exams.


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  1. Rinsky B, Hagbi-Levi S, Elbaz-Hayoun S, Grunin M, Chowers I. (2017). Characterizing the Effect of Supplements on the Phenotype of Cultured Macrophages From Patients With Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Mol Vis. Dec 6;23:889-899.

The Eye Exam: A New Look by Dr. Grossman – 2020 Vision

eye exam of a senior citizenGetting 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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Natural Eye Care, Inc.
3 Paradies Lane
New Paltz, New York 12561
Phone: 845.475.4158

Natural Eye Care

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.

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