Three time-tested supplements stand out as champions for eye and brain health: garlic, ginseng, and ginkgo. Research on these supplements backs up why they have been used for thousands of years. Garlic plays an important role in all three major traditional medicines–Traditional European Herbal Medicine, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ginseng and ginkgo are crucial herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Do these supplements work? Are they beneficial for aging brains and eyes? What does the research show?
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As we age, how can we prevent or support dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other age-related brain diseases? Looking at the scientific research, much emphasis is on curing neurological disease after it is well-established. Reacting to a crisis is logical, though, after many years of research and money spent, there is still no cure. However, preventing a crisis is even better. Why wait for possible brain deterioration to affect your quality-of-life?
At Natural Eye Care, we have been helping aging adults both prevent and support age-related neurological diseases for 19+ years. The retina in the eye is neural tissue. Therefore, Macular Degeneration and certain other eye diseases are closely linked to the health of the brain. Many of the nutrients researched for supporting the retina and optic nerve can pass the blood-brain barrier. They are essential for maintaining healthy neurological function.
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A study, led by Dr. Daniel Martin, an ophthalmologist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Cole Eye Institute, has found that the cancer drug Avastin (bevacizumab) offers macular degeneration patients the same benefits as the drug Lucentis (ranibizumab), which was specifically formulated to treat the disease.
“The results of our study show that Lucentis and Avastin are virtually identical, in terms of visual acuity achieved, when they’re given on the same dosing frequency,” Martin said in a press release. “For example, if you compare Lucentis given monthly versus Avastin given monthly, it’s virtually identical for visual acuity achieved in one year.”
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Mother always told you to eat your fruits and vegetables – but why? Modern researchers are finding more and more about antioxidants for health. Scientists publish mountains of peer-reviewed research a year on antioxidants found in fruits and veggies. One type of antioxidant is called “phytonutrients.” Found in plant pigments, phytonutrients are especially good for the eyes and brain. How do phytonutrients slow the impact of aging and reduce disease risk? Which foods contain significant amounts of the best types of phytonutrients?
The genetic eye disease Retinitis Pigmentosa is the target of gene editing research on human embryos by Dr. Dietrich Elgi at Columbia University. National Public Radio reported on this research1 shortly after a Chinese scientist announced he had created the world’s first two gene-edited babies.2 Both scientists use the CRISPR tool to genetically modify human embryos. However, the experiments at Columbia are for research purposes only. These embryos are destroyed within one day for study.
A new medicated ring could replace drops for open-angle glaucoma patients. Impregnated with the glaucoma drug Bimatoprost, the flexible ring is inserted under the eyelids. The Bimatoprost Ring works for six months, delivering pressure-reducing medication directly to the eye. Glaucoma patients currently depend on medicated drops, multiple times per day, to control their condition. Up to half of glaucoma patients do not use their drops correctly. Therefore, a long-acting medicated glaucoma ring could improve their prognosis.
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Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA is a naturally-occurring chemical, so why might seniors need to supplement it? Our bodies create small amounts of this omega-3 fatty acid. DHA from the diet, such as seafood, also counts. Docosahexaenoic acid is crucial to brain development in infants, and it is found in large quantities in the brain and retina. Researchers have found that consuming extra DHA can fight eye disease. How much docosahexaenoic acid do you need to get these effects? Can you get enough through your diet, or do you need to supplement DHA for optimum health?
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Studies on mice at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) may lead to an injection that cures Type II Diabetes. This metabolic disorder affects overweight and obese people, due to insulin resistance. The body needs more and more insulin to maintain steady blood sugar, and the pancreas cannot keep up. Diabetes can lead to eye disease in the form of diabetic retinopathy. The chances of developing floaters, cataracts, nerve damage, and glaucoma are higher. Diabetes also causes stroke, amputations, coma, and even death.
The researchers, led by Professor Fátima Bosch, introduced into the mice a gene that creates the FGF21 protein
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Carotenoid supplements could mitigate the deleterious effects of electronics screens on sleep, visual performance, and macular pigment density. Eyes that are glued to screens most of the day are exposed to excessive blue light. In a recent study1, subjects who took a combination of macular carotenoids — lutein, zeaxanthin, and mesozeaxanthin — reported better sleep patterns, reduced eyestrain and fewer headaches. They also had better visual performance and higher macular pigment optical density.
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Current research on genetic eye diseases focuses mostly on genetic therapies. Scientists have learned how to sequence DNA at a relatively low cost. New tools for modifying genetic materials, such as the CRISPR, have opened the door for new treatments and even cures. Certain eye disorders are caused by mutated genes and genetic predispositions. This article highlights current research into four genetic eye disorders:
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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.
