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Seeing the Light: Natural Vision Care
January 1 , 2008
Seeing is believing, so eye care is a vital health priority. When it comes to eye illness, prevention is the best medicine. Approximately two million Americans use corrective eyewear to compensate for poor vision and refractive eye error. More than 1.6 million Americans age 50 and older suffer from macular degeneration (1). Many others deal with eye discomfort, glaucoma, computer eyestrain and cataracts. With eye illness sweeping the nation, it is difficult for the masses to see a way out. Dietary supplements, however, may help improve eyesight from the inside (2).
Basic Vitamins
Toxins in our environment constantly rob us of the nutrients necessary
to maintain healthy eyesight. A diet rich with antioxidants and
other vitamins replaces the nutrients our environment takes away. vitamin
E, vitamin
C, vitamin
A, selenium and bioflavonoids
can be found in healthy foods or can be taken as dietary supplements.
These nutrients may help to focus the lens and protect the cornea. Ultraviolet
(UV) damage combined with a reduction of antioxidant defense may lead
to corneal damage and weakening sight (3). Vitamin A, found in
certain fish oils, may protect the front and back of the eye thereby
aiding in night vision and UV protection. Likewise, vitamin E (a vitamin
used to maintain proper function of unsaturated fats) can help to focus
and protect the eye lens (4).
L-glutathione
L-glutathione is an important amino acid responsible for flexibility
in the eye's lens. L-glutathione slows down the DNA breakdown
in the eye that causes cataracts and eye illness incited by aging. In
addition to protecting proteins in the lens from oxidization, this nutrient
also aids in the transport of sodium, calcium and potassium in the lens.
Declines in these vital eye health contributors increases rigidity
thus causing cataracts (2).
Supplementation of L-glutathione
may help resolve eye issues related to lens rigidity; however, fast
action is key. Increasing the glutathione level in the eye may act as
a preventative measure against future damage and enhance eye lens flexibility.
A daily dose of L-glutathione (500 mg) may aid in overall eye
health. In addition to supplementation, glutathione can be obtained
from horseradish, watercress, mustard, turnips and rutabagas (5).
See note at the end of the article.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are yellow plant pigments that accumulate in the
rear area of the eye, acting as internal sunglass filters. Deficiency
of lutein in the macular eye areas has been implicated as a potential
risk factor for the development of age-related macular degeneration
(AMD). As a result, lutein, a pigment found in chlorella,
is being researched as a potential protector against the debilitating
affects of AMD (6).
In a study conducted in 2006,
scientists supplemented 24 individuals with zeaxanthin and/or lutein
and discovered that the supplements increased macular pigment distribution
in the eye, thereby potentially improving human chromatic discrimination
sensitivity (7). Although only 10 millionths of every milligram
of zeaxanthin consumed actually gets deposited in the retina, every
little bit counts. In addition to protecting against macular degeneration,
the lutein found in corn and other vegetables may also protect the rods
and cones from free-radical damage and UV light (8). Foods that
contain approximately 100 grams of zeaxanthin per serving include: raw
orange peppers, raw romaine lettuce, raw spinach, tangerine and cooked
turnip greens (4).
Herbs, Fruits and Juices
Herbal supplementation plays a vital role in maintaining healthy eyesight.
According to nutrient expert Bill Sardi, "Some examples are
bilberry to improve night vision, quercetin as a preventative measure
against eye allergy and diabetic eye complications." Sardi
also recommends garlic to thin the blood where cardiovascular disease
affects the eyes, and feverfew to help overcome eye illness-related
migraines (9).
The antioxidant ability of exotic fruit is now available in bottled juice as well as capsules, powders and tea. Gac, a green, Southeast Asian fruit, is regarded highly as a food and medicine. In Vietnam, the fruit's seed membrane is used specifically for vision care and the treatment of dry eyes. According to the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA, gac pulp may contain up to 76 times as much lycopene as commercial tomatoes. In addition, gac fruit also is known as a beneficial source of beta-carotene, another nutrient that supports the eye. Likewise, Acai's anthocyanins and Gogi berries' 18 amino acids may hold the key to eyesight wellness. Gogi berries contain riboflavin, selenium and high concentrations of zeaxanthin, all beneficial supplements that potentially support healthy eyesight (10). WF
Note
on L-glutathione
Researchers have found that vitamin C assists the body in manufacturing
the amino acid L-glutathione. It is recommended that a minimum
of 500 mg daily be used. Due to stress and the way the body uses
vitamin C as an antioxidant, for collagen production, precursor for
folates, and immune support, the daily amount should be higher as research
demonstrates. I personably use 3,000 mg daily, others I know use
more, with around 1,000 mg or higher of bioflavonoids for more effective
absorption and utilization. To prevent gastric distress use a
form that is non-acidic such as Ester-C or ascorbates buffered with
minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Avoidance of Chlorine
for Eye Health
I know I keep harping on this but it is extremely imperative that a
person not drink, shower or bathe in chlorine as it will contribute
to the destruction of cells throughout the body including the eyes.
If you have already taken measures to eliminate chlorine from your body
that is great, but for those who haven’t, do it as soon as possible
if you value your health and eyes. Chlorine
- “A Crippler and Killer”
References
1. J. Shoemaker, Vision Problems in the U.S. (Bethesda, MD, National
Eye Institute, 2002).
2. M. Grossman, Natural Eye Care An Encyclopedia (Los Angeles, CA, Keats
Publishing, 1999).
3. B. Sardi, Nutrition and The Eyes Volume 2 (Montclair, CA, Health
Spectrum Publishers, 1994).
4. B. Sardi, User's Guide to Eye Health Supplements (Laguna Beach, CA,
Basic Health Publications, 2003).
5. D. Williams, "Eye Care for Aging Baby Boomers," Alternatives,
p. 156 (1997).
6. "Lutein is Naturally 'Seen' in Cholorella," Health News
Immediate Release.
7. M. Rodriguiez-Carmona, et al., "The Effects of Supplementation
with Lutein and/or Zeaxanthin on Human Macular Pigment Density and Color
Vision," 26 (2), 137-147.
8. R. Abel, The Eye Care Revolution (New York, NY, Kensington Publishing
Corp., 1999).
9. B. Sardi, Nutrition and The Eyes Volume 3 (Montclair, CA, Health
Spectrum Publishers, 1994).
10. V. Tweed, "Main Squeezes Antioxidant," Better Nutrition,
March 2007.
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