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Today's article will cover several chronic eye problems and their natural solutions. But before I get into that let me tell you three things.  One: I have completely reversed my own astigmatisms...and they were severe.  Second: My nearsightedness,  also quite severe which I have had since birth has improved with every single eye exam over the last decade.  Three the following is a summary of a recent abstract regarding cataracts and B Vitamins.

 

B vitamins serve many purposes throughout the body, including functioning as cofactors in the enzymatic activation of antioxidants.    Now brand new research from Tanya Glaser, from the US National Eye Institute (Maryland, USA), and colleagues analyzed data collected on 3000 150 men and women, age 55 to 80 years, were involved in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group (AREDS), and followed for an average of 9.6 years.  Both Vitamins B2 and B12 were inversely associated with lens opacity. Participants who had the highest dietary intake of B2 were at 22% lower risk of mild nuclear cataract and 38% lower risk of moderate nuclear cataract, as well as 20% lower risk of mild cortical cataract, as compared to people with the lowest B2 average intakes.  Subjects with the highest average B12 intake displayed 22% lower risk of mild nuclear cataract and 38% lower risk of moderate nuclear cataract, and a 23% reduced risk of mild cortical cataract. The highest average B6 intake associated with a 33% decreased risk of moderate nuclear lens opacity, as compared to the lowest average intake. The study authors write: "These findings are consistent with earlier studies suggesting that dietary intake of B vitamins may affect the occurrence of age-related lens opacities.” A B-complex vitamin is good insurance.  Here is one I prescribe frequently in my practice.

 Beyond this latest research, vision problems in the US have increased exponentially since 2000. Not getting the right nutrients plays a HUGE role, too—and the right foods and supplements can make a big difference as they certainly have with me.

While people with eye symptoms or a diagnosed eye disease should work closely with their doctors I am confident that the following tips may be helpful as well. 

Here are common eye problems and the foods and supplements that can fight them…:

Dry Eyes

Dry-eye syndrome—a chronic ­problem with the quantity and quality of tears—often is due to nutritional deficiencies. Poor nutrition can permit damaging free radicals to accumulate in the glands that produce tears.

One-half teaspoon of cod liver oil twice a week may help. It's an excellent source of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, an ­omega-3 fatty acid) and vitamins A and D, nutrients that improve the quality of tears and help them ­lubricate more effectively.

Hyaluronic Acid: A normal constituent of the eye can be low as well.  A few months of supplementation can resolve this problem.

Cataracts typically are caused by the age-related clumping of proteins in the crystalline lens of the eyes. More than half of Americans  have cataracts by the time they're 80.

 Eating spinach, kale, spirulina, seaweeds and other dark leafy greens every day may prevent this. They contain lutein, an antioxidant that reduces the free-radical damage that increases cataract risk. (Lutein and zeaxanthin, another antioxidant, are the only carotenoids that concentrate in the lenses of the eyes.)

Important: Cook kale or other leafy greens with a little bit of oil…or eat them with a meal that contains olive oil or other fats. The ­carotenoids are fat-soluble, so they require a little fat for maximal ­absorption.

I also advise patients to take 2 grams  vitamin C  in divided doses or as a time released formula. One study found that those who took vitamin C supplements for 10 years were 64% less likely to have cataracts.

Computer Vision Syndrome

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health reports that 88% of people who work at a computer for more than three hours a day complain of computer-­related problems, including blurred vision, headaches, neck pain and eye dryness.

Taking a supplement that contains about 6 mg of astaxanthin, a carotenoid. It reduces eyestrain by improving the stamina of eye muscles.

Also helpful:  EYE EXERCISES!!!! 

The 20/20/20 rule. After every 20 minutes on a computer, take 20 seconds and look 20 feet away.

Reduced Night Vision

True night blindness (nyctalopia) is rare in the US, but many older adults find that they struggle to see at night, which can make night driving difficult. Vitamin A deficiency may be a contributing factor to this.

What to do: Take a daily supplement that includes one-half mg of copper and 25 mg of zinc. Zinc deficiencies have been associated with poor night vision—and you'll need the extra copper to “balance” the zinc. Zinc helps the body produce vitamin A, which is required by the retina to detect light. Also helpful:The foods for AMD (below).  Take a mixed carotenoid supplement every other day as well.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

This serious disease is the leading cause of blindness in older adults. Most people with AMD first will notice that their vision has become slightly hazy. As the disease progresses, it can cause a large blurred area in the center of the field of vision.

What to do: Eat several weekly servings of spinach or other brightly colored vegetables, such as kale and yellow peppers, or egg yolks. The nutrients and ­antioxidants in these foods will slow the progression of AMD. The ­National Eye Institute's Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) reported that patients who already had macular degeneration and had adequate intakes of beta-­carotene, zinc, copper and vitamins C and E were 25% less likely to develop an advanced form of the disease.

If I can assist you in any way please ask!  

Best of Vision!  Next week's topic: Could this ONE supplement be key to clear, healthy skin.  Sign up so you don't miss a thing.  You can also follow us on twitter or facebook for updates, see below.

 

 

 

 

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Taryn DeCicco, ND, LAc, LDN

Naturopath

Acupuncturist

Clinical Nutritionist

Dietitian

Professional Vitamins and Supplements

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Arlington Heights, IL

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