Looking Good

Of all our senses, sight is no doubt the one we rely on most. The prospect of losing your vision is truly terrifying. After all, if your vision diminishes, your quality of life also declines—especially when it comes to activities like driving and reading.

The #1 Cause of Vision Loss

The most severe eye disease that can impact your sight is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of vision loss among middle-age and elderly people. AMD affects the macula, an oval spot near the center of the retina that controls central vision.

But AMD isn’t the only disease that can rob you of your sight. According to a study conducted by Lighthouse International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to research on vision impairment and rehabilitation, one in six adults over the age of 45 has some type of vision impairment including cataract, glaucoma or loss of night vision. These numbers just grow worse as we get older: About 15 percent of 45 to 64 year-olds report vision impairment, increasing to 17 percent for those aged 65 to 74 and 26 percent of those older than 75.

More Causes of Vision Impairment

Despite all of this gloom and doom, most people can take charge of their vision with promising results—no matter how old they are. Vision impairment has a variety of causes, including diabetes, tobacco use, long-term sun exposure, eye injuries and the use of certain pharmaceuticals such as steroids. I recommend getting a complete eye exam every year or two so that you can detect problems early. Then look at nutrients that can prevent the onset of eye disease, improve your eyesight and perhaps even reverse any damage already done.

1. Lutein and Zeaxanthin

These nutrients function as blue-light filters and antioxidants. Harvard researchers report that people eating the most lutein- and zeaxanthin-rich foods had a 57 percent decreased risk of macular degeneration, compared with people eating the least. But food may not be your best source to get high levels of these two eye protecting nutrients—especially if you suffer from AMD. But lutein’s benefits aren’t limited to AMD. It also acts like a filter to protect the macula from potentially damaging ultra-violet light that can increase your risk of cataract.

2. Bilberry

This blue-purple berry is high in antioxidant compounds called flavonoids that prevent a host of eye problems, such as retinal inflammation, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, cataracts, nearsightedness, eye fatigue and night blindness. Legend has it that British Royal Air Force pilots flying midnight missions during World War II ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision, and current research shows that bilberry accelerates the regeneration of retinol purple, a substance necessary for reliable eyesight.

3. Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals

I also tell my patients to increase the antioxidant vitamins and minerals they consume, both in their diets and with the supplements they take. In the famous Age-Related Eye Disease Study, researchers at the National Eye Institute found that, while individual antioxidants help protect vision, the greatest disease-risk benefit was achieved with a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene and zinc. And it wasn’t just protection against AMD. Another study, dubbed the Blue Mountains Eye Study, found that these antioxidants also help guard against cataract.

4. DHA- The Major Fat in Retinal Tissue

Another nutrient that most people don’t think of when they consider eye supplements is fat. One specific type of essential fatty acid called DHA is the major fat in retinal tissue. It plays a strong role in the photoreceptor cells of the retina (nerve cells in the retina that are responsible for our ability to see). The preliminary evidence I’ve seen suggests that a DHA deficiency may cause a marked decrease in vision. Fortunately, taking supplemental fish oil that contains DHA appears to protect against late age-related macular degeneration.

Advanced Natural Medicine (naturalmedicine@advancedalternativenews.com)

Are Itchy, Twitching Eyes Driving You Crazy?‏
From: Vitalmax Vitamins (VitalMax@vitalmaxvitamins.com)
Fast And Lasting Relief
For Your Itchy Eyes

It’s that time of year again when patients come to me with runny noses and watery eyes begging for some relief from their allergies. They complain that trying to function with itchy or twitching eyes is not only a nuisance but gets in the way of enjoying life. Being an allergy sufferer myself, I have to say I can relate. That’s why I have personally researched a few natural remedies that really work.

The Underlying Cause of Your Itchy Eyes

The number one cause of itchy eyes is hypersensitivity to dust or pollen. This is an allergic reaction to something the body is trying to fight off similar to a virus or bacteria.

This causes you experience symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, itching, and irritated eyes. About half the population of Americans have some degree of allergies, and according to studies, seventy-five percent of all common allergic reactions affect the eyes.

Soothe Itchy Eyes Naturally

When it comes to allergies, the best advice is to avoid the culprit that is affecting you. But in the case of itchy eyes, it’s impossible to shield yourself from any possible source or irritation that might be in the air.

When you are indoors I always recommend a good air filter that removes much of the dust particles. This of course is a way of controlling the air you breathe when you are inside, but let’s take a closer look at what you can do when you are out in the elements.

There are two natural supplements that I recommend.

• The first is Perilla frutescens extract. Perilla frutescens is a plant in the mint family that grows commonly all over Asia and is used for both food and medicine.

In a study published Experimental Biology and Medicine researchers found that people with allergies who take a daily dose of Perilla frutescens extract enjoy reduced symptoms including less itchiness in their eyes.

• The second is Butterbur extract. Butterbur extract proved as effective as leading prescriptions in reducing and preventing allergy symptoms including itchy eyes.

My Eyes Aren’t Itchy—They’re Twitching

Patients not only report itchy eyes, but describe a condition known as twitching eyes. Eye twitching is caused by small muscle spasms below or above the eye and is usually triggered by stress or fatigue. In most cases, the spasm will last a little while and then go away on its own. Although it is not a serious condition, twitching eyes can be very annoying and tiring.

To prevent mild eye spasms from occurring or to stop the twitching I advise my patients to get a good night’s sleep and some relaxation. I always ask them to take a moment to think about the sources of stress in their life and find ways to relieve it. By reducing stress or finding an outlet for tension usually prevents future eye twitching episodes.

If your eye twitching persists longer than two days or if it causes your facial muscles to spasm as well, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to rule nerve issues and to explore other treatment options.

Your eyes play an important role in the quality of life. You are not alone if itchy or twitching eyes are your problem. Don’t continue to suffer in silence, talk to your doctor about some of the natural remedies mentioned here. Finding the best method to relieve your symptoms will allow you to make the most of the outdoor environment as well as your indoor space.

Stay well,

Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging