Dr. Grossman’s Blog

Researchers at the Department of Ophthalmology and Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California-Los Angeles, recently studied the association between consumption of fruits and vegetables and the presence of glaucoma.

1,155 women located in multiple centers in the United States participated in this cross-sectional cohort study. Glaucoma specialists evaluated the women for glaucoma; consumption of fruits and vegetables was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.

Among the 1,155 women studied, 95 (8.2%) were diagnosed with glaucoma. Analysis of the relationship between selected fruit and vegetable consumption and glaucoma showed:

• Glaucoma risk was decreased 69 percent in women who consumed at least one serving per month of green collards and kale compared with those who consumed fewer than one serving per month.
•  Glaucoma risk was decreased 64 percent in women who consumed more than two servings per week of carrots compared with those who consumed fewer than one serving per week.
• Glaucoma risk was decreased 47 percent in women who consumed at least one serving per week of canned or dried peaches compared with those who consumed fewer than one serving per month.

Although researchers note that more studies are needed to investigate the relationship between nutrition and glaucoma, research to date does indicate that a higher intake of certain fruits and vegetables may be associated with a decreased risk of glaucoma.

Learn more about glaucoma

Read other studies about nutrition and glaucoma

SOURCE: “Glaucoma risk and the consumption of fruits and vegetables among older women in the study of osteoporotic fractures”, Coleman, et al, Am J Ophthalmol. 2008 Jun;145(6):1081-9.

A new study indicates that the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin may help improve vision under glare conditions such as bright sunlight or the beams of car headlights.

Scientists at the Vision Science Laboratory at the University of Georgia recently studied the relationship of lutein and zeaxanthin on macular pigment (MP), glare disability, and photostress recovery.

The macula helps filter damaging light rays. When the concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula is higher, the higher density of macular pigment enables the macula to absorb the light rays more efficiently.

Researchers studied forty healthy subjects (average age of 23.9) for six months, giving assessments at baseline, 1, 2, 4, and 6 months. Subjects were given 12mg daily of lutein and zeaxanthin supplements.

After 6 months, the lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation was shown to significantly reduce the negative effects of glare for both the visual performance tasks assessed for most of the subjects.

Read other studies about lutein and zeaxanthin, including their role in preventing macular degeneration and cataracts.

Learn more about natural leutein and zeaxanthin supplements

SOURCE: “Macular pigment and visual performance under glare conditions”, Stringham and Hammond, Optom Vis Sci., 2008 Feb;85(2):82-8

Lutein and zeaxanthin have been well researched as being essential nutrients in both helping to prevent the onset of macular degeneration as well as helping protect vision for those with macular degeneration. People with macular degeneration have been shown to have reduced macular pigment optical density (MPOD).

Meso-zeaxanthin is the third major carotenoid found in macular pigment (along with lutein and zeaxanthin).

A new study showed that supplementation of gelcaps containing mostly mesozeaxanthin (along with some lutein and zeaxanthin) resulted in increased blood serum levels of all three carotenoids during the 120 day study supplementation period, and was effective in increasing macular pigment optical density (MPOD).

Ref: Florida International University (Nutr Metab. 2007;4:12) (DOI:10.1186/1743-7075-4-12).

For more information on related studies, go to www.naturaleyecare.com

Can something as easy as taking a daily multi-vitamin help prevent cataracts? Researchers believe it can!

An analysis of Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) data has found that consistent use of a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement may delay the progression of age-related lens opacities.  Lens opacities in the form of cataracts are the leading cause of blindness around the world today.

Of the 4596 participants enrolled in the AREDS cataract trial, approximately two-thirds elected to take a multi-vitamin supplement containing RDA-recommended levels of vitamins and minerals.

Subjects were assessed for development or progression of lens opacities via lens photographs at baseline and at annual visits beginning at year 2.  Statistics were collected on changes in amounts of nuclear, cortical, or posterior subcapsular opacity, or the performance of cataract surgery.

Researchers found the risk of development of or progression to any cataract was reduced by 16% in regular multi-vitamin takers. For nuclear cataract, a 25% risk reduction was observed in the multi-supplement users.

Read more about cataracts, including recommended vitamins and supplements

SOURCE:  “Centrum Use and Progression of Age-Related Cataract in AREDS”, AREDS Research Group, Ophthalmol 113:1264-0, 2006.

Researchers using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988 through 1994) have found evidence that consuming vitamin D may help ward off age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 

In this study, 7752 individuals (including 11% with AMD) were given retinal photographs, dietary intake questionnaires, and blood tests to calculate blood vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels.  Based on these vitamin D blood levels, participants were divided into 5 groups.   Participants in the group with the highest vitamin D levels showed 40% lower risk of developing early AMD than those in the lowest group. 

Analysis was also conducted to evaluate associations with important food and supplemental sources of vitamin D. 

• People who drank milk daily decreased their risk of developing AMD, as did those who took supplemental vitamin D consistently but didn’t drink milk daily. 
• Fish consumption was also linked with a lower risk of advanced AMD.

What are good sources of vitamin D?  Consider fish — it’s naturally rich in vitamin D.  Milk and breakfast cereals are generally fortified with vitamin D as well. 

Read more about AMD

Learn tips for taking vitamins and maintaining good digestion

SOURCE:  “Association between vitamin D and age-related macular degeneration in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey”, Parekh N, et al. Arch of Ophthalmol 125:661-69, 2007.