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our nervous system runs on communication. Nerves send signals from the brain and spinal cord out to the rest of the body, and back again. Myelin is the protective, fatty coating wrapped around many nerve fibers. Think of it as insulation around wiring: it helps signals travel faster, more clearly, and with less electrical leakage. 1
Myelin is also part of a bigger support system. In the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), specialized cells called oligodendrocytes help build and maintain myelin. These cells do not just wrap nerves; they also support neurons structurally and metabolically, helping the nervous system meet energy demands over time.
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Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin your body needs for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and healthy nervous system function. When vitamin B12 levels are low, people can develop anemia and experience fatigue and weakness. Therefore, maintaining adequate B12 levels is important for day-to-day energy and overall health. However, B12 can be low even in people who eat Vitamin B12-rich meat and dairy products. Vitamin B12 cannot be produced in the body, so it must be obtained from food or supplements.1
Newer research suggests vitamin B12 (cobalamin) status may influence more than nerve function alone. Findings highlighted in 2026 point to a relationship between vitamin B12 and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function (the cell’s energy-producing machinery), which may contribute to metabolic resilience and aspects of healthy aging.2 In practical terms, maintaining adequate B12 may help support muscle function and strength over time, which can matter for mobility and injury risk as we age.
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Did you know your brain is capable of growing new cells and forging fresh connections, even as you age? The science of neurogenesis is reshaping our understanding of brain and eye health. Neuroplasticity isn’t just for kids! About 30 years ago, scientists began to acknowledge the brain’s amazing ability to adapt in all stages of life. In this article, we will discuss the science of neuroplasticity and how it impacts both the brain and the eyes. Also, we will talk about how neurogenesis regrows brain and eye tissue, and how it could improve eye conditions such as glaucoma. And, we will recommend nutrients that can help your brain build new connections and neurons.
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Several nutrients and vitamins such as bilberry and taurine help protect the optic nerve from damage. Glaucoma causes optic nerve damage. Optic neuritis and optic nerve atrophy are serious conditions that harm the optic nerve. Since the optic nerve sends electrical signals from the eye to the brain, any interruption damages vision. How does the optic nerve work? Which diseases damage the optic nerve? What does the research show about how nutrients, foods, and vitamins protect the optic nerve? Taurine, gingko biloba, a fruit called bilberry, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B12 among others have demonstrated their usefulness.
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People who have advanced eye disease have waited too long to improve their vision health. Keeping the eyes health is a lifetime endeavor. An unhealthy lifestyle and poor nutrition lead to a higher risk of eye diseases. Researchers have linked cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, optic neuropathy, retinal vein occlusions, and other eye conditions to mostly-controllable risk factors. Seniors are especially at risk. Natural Eye Care offers this guide to improving vision health.
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Inflammation is a factor in many eye diseases, and what you eat affects inflammation. Whenever major holidays comes along, we are tempted to eat special foods. Many of these treats are high in calories and sugar, which contribute to inflammation. While you don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, you can choose to eat foods that are anti-inflammatory. At the end of this article, you will find tips for limiting the damage while still enjoying the holiday.
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While Americans spend billions of dollars each year on how they LOOK, little attention is given to how they SEE. Seniors are especially vulnerable to eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts, as well as hypertension-related eye damage such as retinal vein occlusion.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology issued guidelines on aging and the eye as a result of its 2015 Eye-Q© Survey1 (updated with 2016 data).
Here is a summary of their recommendations.
Optic neuritis is swelling and inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause eye pain, visual impairment, dull colors, and/or flashing lights. Since the optic nerve carries visual information to the brain, any symptoms of optic neuritis should be checked by a doctor immediately. If a patient has just one incident, chances are good that they will fully recover. However, inflammation of the optic nerve can be the first sign of multiple sclerosis, a serious degenerative disease.
One of the dangers of this problem is that the optic nerve can lose some of its myelin. The myelin sheath is fatty tissue that protects the nerves. When the myelin sheath is compromised, the nerves can be damaged. This is one important reason to consult
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Methylsulfonylmethane, known as MSM, is commonly utilized in the form of MSM eyedrops or powder in vcaps to be taken as a supplement. It is well known for its anti-inflammatory capacity, documented by researchers. Scientists are documenting substantiating research and finding new uses.
Anti-Inflammation
MSM inhibits inflammasomes, which are protein formations that stimulate production of lymphocytes (white blood cells). It also inhibits the activity of ‘pro-cytokines’ which promote inflammation throughout the body, creating health-damaging fevers and causing tissue death and shock.1 This effect of MSM is useful in reducing the tissue swelling that damages the optic nerve, causes eye soreness of dry eyes and Sjogrens syndrome and other inflammatory-related conditions.
Researchers from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Hospital in Germany have determined that advanced MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can assist in accurately diagnosing optic nerve health – in particular, optic neuritis and the prognosis for short-term recovery and decision as to the most appropriate therapies.
Optic neuritis is a potentially serious inflammation of the optic nerve, sometimes accompanied by loss or damage to the myelin sheath that surrounds the optic nerve. It is most often experienced by younger adults, and whose symptoms can include pain, vision changes in perception of color, light/dark perception, and blurriness. It can come on suddenly and often is of short duration with full recovery in 90% of patients.
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.
