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Retina Scans Identify Early Onset Disease

retina scan
Retina Scan

A growing body of evidence continues to show that the microvasculature in the retina may be a reliable indicator of the overall health of the body’s circulatory system and brain. Changes in the eye accompany aging and also reflect other health conditions and various age-related diseases include: age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, AIDS, and even Alzheimer’s disease.


The optic nerve is brain tissue, so there is a strong correlation between changes in the brain and signs in the optic nerve and retina. The optic nerve and retina are created from brain tissue in the womb. The retina contains some of the smallest capillaries in the body, so they are sensitive to health changes in the body.1

Recent study results suggested that potentially, an eye doctor should be able to determine the trajectory of aging with 71% accuracy by doing an eye exam. The doctor would note discernable changes in the eyes of seniors, providing an actionable evaluation of gero-protective therapeutics.

Alzheimer’s Disease

One marker that determines Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the build-up of beta amyloid plaque (Aβ), commonly found in the brains of patients with AD. Although Dr. Howard Krauss cautions that the science is still new, he reports that “the same cellular, chemical and molecular changes which are in evidence in the Alzheimer’s brain are evident in the retina.”2 AD can sometimes be identified up of 8-9 years from changes in the retinal before final diagnosis.  The importance of this is the there is a lot of research now on diet, exercise and targeted supplementation taken early on that may prevent AD onset, or at least slow it down or possibly reverse it.

Chronic inflammation has also been identified as a risk factor for AD. The researchers also looked at inflammatory markers in the retinas. Microglia are immune cells, the action of which is changed in people with AD and other forms of dementia. Research has found that overactivated microglia increase Aβ and Tau protein buildup associated with AD, and promote neuroinflammation.[Guan YH, Zhang LJ, Wang SY, Deng YD, Zhou HS, et al. (2022). The role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease and progress of treatment. Ibrain. Spring 8;1:37-47.]

An alkaline diet can help reduce and manage inflammation and keep the eyes, body and brain nourished. For more information on alkaline versus acidic foods, go to https://naturaleyecare.com/articles/alkalizing-foods-chart/

Retinal Cell Regeneration

In another recent study, lab-grown retinal eye cells made successful connections, opening the door for clinical trials to treat blindness.3 The next step is to establish clinical trial dates.

Essential Nutrients for Retinal, Optic Nerve and Brain Health.

Some of the essential nutrients include: taurine, lutein, zeaxanthin, mesozeaxanthin, B vitamins, bilberry, gingko biloba, omega-3 fatty acids, alpha lipoic acid, n-acetyl-cysteine, glutathione, bilberry, bacopa monniera, lycopene, selenium, zinc, lion’s mane (see formulas below).

Back in Stock

Cineraria (Crystaline Lens) Homeopathic Eye Drops (10ml)– for cataract management and lens support.

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps. contains lutein (10mg), zeaxanthin (2mg), mesozeaxanthin (10mg) and Astaxanthin (6mg).

Supplements to Consider

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps – this is our whole food, organic, GMO free foundation eye formula.


Dr. Grossman’s Blood Vessel Control Formula 2oz
– helps reduce inflammation and the risk of unwanted blood vessel growth.

Brain and Memory Power Boost 120 caps

Brain and Memory Support Package 1

Footnotes

  1. Ahadi S, Wilson KA Jr, Babenko B, McLean CY, Bryant D, et al. (2023). Longitudinal fundus imaging and its genome-wide association analysis provide evidence for a human retinal aging clock. Elife. Mar 28;12:e82364.
  2. Lang, K. (2023). Alzheimer’s: Could the retina show early signs of disease? Med News Today. Mar 30.
  3. Barncard C. (2022). Lab-grown retinal eye cells make successful connections, open door for clinical trials to treat blindness. U Wis News. Jan 4 2022.

Natural Eye Care, Inc.
3 Paradies Lane
New Paltz, New York 12561
Phone: 845.475.4158

Natural Eye Care

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.

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