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Microplastics are a new, emerging contaminant that is becoming detrimental to aquatic environments on a global scale. Primary microplastics are manufactured directly for personal care use and cosmetic formulations. They are used for emulsion stabilization, viscosity regulation, skin conditioning, and the manufacture of synthetic clothing. ¹

Primary microplastics are introduced into environments through industrial discharges, water treatment plant effluents, wind deposition, and surface runoff. ² Secondary microplastics result from the fragmentation and weathering of larger plastic items by sunlight, wind, and water, or by other chemical, biological, or mechanical forces. ³

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The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its long-awaited update to the nation’s dietary guidelines on January 7, 2026, promising a “historic reset” that puts real, minimally processed food back at the center of American nutrition policy ¹. Chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are high, and these guidelines aim to “Make America Healthy Again.”

On the other hand, the Mediterranean Diet is popular for its proven benefits in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting long-term wellness. It focuses on plant-based meals, healthy fats, and a balanced lifestyle. At Natural Eye Care, we adapted the Mediterranean Diet specifically for people with vision issues and called it the Vision Diet. This diet includes additional recommendations on antioxidant intake, organic foods, and avoiding certain additives and fats ².
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As the Earth orbits the Sun, the Sun’s angle changes the quality of light. How do the Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall seasons of the year affect the eyes? Seasonal changes in light affect human vision by altering color perception. Yellow seems greener in the summer, and redder in the winter. In the fall and winter, lower sun angles increase glare and eye strain. This can affect visual sensitivity by increasing or decreasing dryness or brightness shifts. The less-intense winter light can affect sleep cycles. These changes in seasons and light can also affect sleep patterns (circadian rhythms).

Your visual system must adapt to all these changes. In this article, you will learn how light changes throughout the year, how it affects your eyes, how it can make vision problems more pronounced, the pros and cons of bright lights for Seasonal Affective Disorder, and antioxidants for reducing glare.
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If you want to protect your eyesight as you age, the secret might be on your plate. Research shows that loading up on leafy greens, colorful veggies and fruits, fish, nuts, whole grains, and heart-healthy olive oil—think Mediterranean diet—can help shield your eyes from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. These foods are packed with antioxidants like Vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and zinc, all proven to support healthy vision. Cutting back on processed foods, sugar, unhealthy fats, and red meat can further reduce your risk.

Why does your nutrition have an impact on your risk of developing macular degeneration? Inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to vision loss. Keep reading to find out how this works and what you can do about it.
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Molecular hydrogen (H2) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless non-toxic gas. H2 can alleviate oxidative damage by efficiently removing surplus reactive oxygen species (ROS),^{1 2}, a highly damaging free radical. Molecular hydrogen has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps prevent premature cell death (apoptosis). In mitochondria, H2 has cytoprotection effects, meaning it helps protect them from harmful stressors.³

Oxidative stress produces reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI/ROS), which leads to the death of healthy cells.⁴ Oxidative stress has been recognized as a critical pathogenic factor of various ocular diseases, such as endothelial corneal dystrophy, pterygium, glaucoma, cataracts, uveitis, retinopathy, and optic neuropathies.⁵ Oxidative stress can impair tissue structure, increase vascular permeability, and promote neovascularization in the eye.^{6 7}
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As the crisp air of fall settles in, our bodies naturally crave warmth and nourishment. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season is closely linked to the Metal element, which governs the Lungs and Large Intestine. The shift in weather can leave these organs—and our skin—more vulnerable to dryness, making it especially important to choose foods that support and protect our respiratory and digestive systems.

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Hair loss is one of the most frequent concerns people bring to their doctors, regardless of age or gender. What many do not realize is that thinning hair or lash loss can sometimes signal deeper health issues that also impact vision. The eyes are closely connected to the rest of the body, so chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases can affect both hair and eye health.

Eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy usually do not have a single cause. Instead, they arise from a mix of influences, including genetics, environment, age, diet and nutrition, and oxidative stress. Among these, oxidative stress is especially important because it directly affects a vital cellular process called autophagy.

In our blog posts, we have examined the potential health risks of artificial sweeteners in detail. Emerging research now indicates that certain artificial sweeteners may, in some cases, pose greater risks than table sugar. Of particular concern is erythritol, a sugar alcohol, which has been associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, including blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.