Melatonin 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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Photophobia literally means “fear of light,” but it just means that you are overly sensitive to light. Light sensitivity might be temporary, but it can be an indicator or symptom of another problem.
People with photophobia experience pain, tearing, and sometimes headaches especially when they are out in bright light too long. A common summer example is too much light from the sun plus reflection off water when we are out in a boat. You just want to close your eye from so much light, and later in the day or evening you may have a headache.
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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.
Computer users are concerned about their vision. When we recently searched online for “vision computer screen” the top four searches were:
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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This is the 4th article in our series on the brain, memory, and dementia. This article discusses the blood-brain barrier which protects the brain.
What is the Blood-Brain Barrier?
The blood-brain barrier prevents toxins and microorganisms from crossing from the blood stream into the tissue of the brain. At the same time, beneficial nutrients are capable of crossing this barrier. Generally, integrity of the blood-brain barrier is important and its compromise contributes to a number of neurodegenerative conditions.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating fatal neurological condition that we’ve all heard or read about or have first-hand experience through our family connection. It is characterized by memory loss and abnormal behavior.
Amyloid beta plaque
This article discusses the role of amyloid beta plaque and the possibility of preventing or slowing its development. Formation of this plaque is the first event in the pathology of Alzheimer’s eventually resulting in nerve cell death.1
We continue our series on brain health with this short discussion of nutrient deficiencies and a number of health issues which can cause symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s Disease. These should be checked for anyone showing signs of dementia. And we should all pay attention to getting a balanced diet with enough of these important nutrients, supplementing if necessary.
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This is the first of a series of articles discussing how to maintain healthy brain function based on my newest book Natural Brain Support: Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s and Dementia Naturally.
There is a strong connection between eye and brain health, and in fact the optic nerve is brain tissue and the retina was created prenatally from brain cells. Many of the nutrients discussed below are needed for healthy vision but also are found in the brain as well.
An eye doctor can often identify health issues because of observed changes in the retina. An eye doctor can detect hypertension, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and even Alzheimer’s disease before it gets to the point that the specialists can identify them.
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Glutathione is rather amazing – low levels are biomarkers for various conditions and it is a “super antioxidant.”
Low levels of glutathione are linked to cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and brain neurodegenerative problems. The amount of glutathione in blood plasma is considered an overall indicator of the body’s antioxidant defense system.
Glutathione (GSH) is a super free radical fighter with the capacity to neutralize the full spectrum of free radicals. Normal metabolic activity creates free radicals, they can be destructive. They are missing an electron in their outer orbit and therefore try to steal one from a nearby healthy cell, rendering that cell dysfunctional.
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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.
