Stress

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition later in life, you’ve probably noticed that most “eye health” conversations focus on vitamins.¹ Those can be important, but researchers are also exploring a different strategy: helping retinal cells survive stress.²

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A new study has found a link between vascular diseases, specifically high blood pressure, diabetes, and increased risk for dementia. Vascular risk factors were higher in both female and Black participants, as well as non-carriers of the APOE ε4 gene, which is linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.¹

The statistical results of this cohort study suggest that between 22% and 44% of incident dementia cases by 80 years old were attributed to midlife and late-life vascular risk factors.

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The brain and visual system rely on a significant portion of the nutrients you consume to maintain optimal health and function. Supporting the connections between the body, mind, and eyes is key to promoting healthy vision, preserving brain health, and reducing the risk of age-related eye and brain diseases. This includes macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, plus dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.

Many of these conditions stem from a lack of essential nutrients reaching the eyes and brain, leaving them deprived of what they need to thrive. Other factors, such as autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular issues, medications, chronic stress, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, inadequate sleep, and both genetic and epigenetic influences, can also play a role.
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Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among adults. Poor blood sugar balance can damage nerves, so nerve support is crucial for people with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition stemming primarily from imbalances in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is not properly managed, the body’s delicate nerve tissues, including the retina, can be injured.

At Natural Eye Care, we have examined the research on nutrients that help protect the eye, including the retina and blood flow to the eye. Research has identified oxidative stress and inflammation as key contributors to the onset and development of numerous eye conditions.
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Oxidative stress significantly affects health and vision. It is a process in which free radicals are produced, leading to potential harm as these unstable molecules steal electrons from healthy cells. This oxidative damage can manifest visibly as aging skin and ocular changes, such as cataract formation. However, oxidation is not the only factor contributing to accelerated aging and eye conditions; poor circulation and insufficient essential nutrients also play important roles.

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The “battery” of the cell, the mitochondria, is crucial to good health. However, when mitochondrial function is compromised, it can lead to a host of health issues, ranging from neurodegenerative disorders to cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the intricate relationship between mitochondrial health and overall well-being is essential, particularly when it comes to brain and eye health. What roles do mitochondria play in memory, cognition, and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease? How do chronic stress and oxidative stress impact mitochondrial function? Do certain nutrients and dietary habits support these vital organelles? Can exercises help to maintain optimal mitochondrial health and, therefore, overall health?
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Chronic stress is a common problem in modern living. Work, finances, relationships, and general anxiety are just a few causes. Over time, stress can harm your health. Vision problems and brain diseases can be caused or aggravated by stress. How does stress tie in with free radical damage and antioxidants? What can you do to reduce the effects of stress?

Oxidative Stress

Chronic stress can result in excess production of free radicals which the body experiences as oxidative stress.
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The relationship between health, longevity, emotions, and aging is of enormous interest these days. With the fast past of life, technological advances, and changes in how humans communicate, the pressure is on.

There is an enormous body of research showing that our emotional state directly affects our health and longevity.

Emotions: Impact of Aging

Younger and older adults experience emotions differently.  As we age, we are less likely to link “interoceptive sensations,” such as heart pounding, goosebumps, or muscle tension, with emotions such as anger or fear.  This effect is specific to the physical effects of various emotions rather than situations or behaviors (such as almost having an accident or being alone). These results suggest that researchers investigating the relationship between health and emotion need to carefully consider how they measure and assess emotions, and symptoms self-reported by patients.¹
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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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According to a small study published in the Journal of Glaucoma, a short course of mindfulness meditation reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). The practice also normalized stress biomarkers and positively modified gene expression. Mindfulness meditation may be a therapeutic resource to reduce IOP and help glaucoma patients.

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