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Managing hormones and vascular disease risk could help prevent eye diseases associated with aging. Impaired blood flow is suspected of contributing to several major eye diseases. Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) are all associated with reduced blood flow to the eyes. These eye diseases mostly strike seniors. As we age, our vascular health suffers. The arteries tend to become narrower and even blocked. Therefore, seniors could see benefits to their eyes by improving their vascular health.
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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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Whenever the sun is shining, drivers need to wear sunglasses. Glare from the sun is unsafe and can cause accidents. The eyes are vulnerable to damage from sunlight. Which types of sunglasses are best for driving? How do sunglasses protect the eyes?

Driving Safety

New drivers have the mantra drilled into them: “Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.” Bright sunlight streaming through the windshield is hard on the eyes. Even a slightly
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The eyes are small, but they have many parts including the eyelids, sclera, cornea, lens, optic nerve and retina. We depend heavily on our vision. When something goes wrong, the eyes are disproportionately affected. For example, a senior at risk of heart disease is also at risk of an ocular arterial or vein occlusion. Also, the macula requires a yellow-colored nutrient (lutein and zeaxanthin) found in certain vegetables such as green leafy vegetables, red, yellow and green peppers, corn and eggs. And antioxidants found in fresh fruits and vegetables have been shown to reduce oxidative eye damage and eye disease.
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The main indicator of age at first glance is facial wrinkles. Seniors who wish to maintain a youthful appearance are tempted to purchase wrinkle creams and supplements. Before buying, consumers should look at objective research. One supplement called astaxanthin has been shown in small studies to reduce wrinkling and enhance the skin. Astaxanthin is also excellent for the eyes. What is Astaxanthin made from? What are the benefits to the eyes and skin?
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Your doctor may have mentioned that gut health affects mood, cholesterol levels, immunity and cardiovascular health. Reducing sugar intake and increasing fiber is good advice. However, new research has found that a specific gut microorganism has a strong influence on gut health. Unfortunately, the champion bifidobacteria declines significantly with age. Scientists have found an antidote: a probiotic called xylooligosaccharides (XOS). Taking very small doses of XOS increased bifidobacteria populations in the gut.
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Astaxanthin is a superfood for the eyes, but our absorption rates are low. Only about half of the astaxanthin we ingest is usable by the body.¹ Astaxanthin is prized for easily crossing the blood/eye barrier and providing antioxidants to the eyes. These free radical fighters help prevent and support a wide variety of age-related eye diseases. A supplement company has added harmless emulsifiers called “phospholipids” to astaxanthin to increase absorption.
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A large body of research shows green tea is a “super-antioxidant” that benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eyes are highly vulnerable to oxidative stress, so any antioxidant could have ocular benefits. However, green tea contains polyphenols, potent antioxidants that also reduce inflammation. Catechins in green tea are highly absorbable by eye tissues, unlike many other antioxidants. What does the research into green tea and vision show? How much green tea do you need to get these benefits? If you do not like tea, is there an alternative?
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Israeli ophthalmologists are researching nanoparticle eye drops to treat near-sightedness (myopia) and far-sightedness (hyperopia). Scientists at Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Bar-Ilan University are working on a three-step process to correct the cornea. The treatment needs to be repeated every month or two. However, patients should be able to receive the treatment at home using a smartphone. Therefore, the treatment could be widely available and convenient.
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Corneal abrasions are scratches on the outermost part of the eye. Sometimes a painful injury is the clear cause. Other times, symptoms can build slowly over a few hours. A corneal abrasion causes so much discomfort that sufferers should seek medical care quickly. The scratch can become infected and cause serious damage in as little as 24 hours. Therefore, recognizing a corneal abrasion could save your sight.

The cornea has 6 layers, and it is very sensitive. It helps the body regulate tear production. The cornea sends signals to the brain to direct it to tell the lacrimal glands whether more or less tears are needed every moment.
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