Dr. Grossman’s Blog

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Celiac disease (also called gluten-induced enteropathy) is an intestinal disorder that results from intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, oats, barley, and rye.  Eating gluten containing foods damages the small intestine and makes it impossible for sufferers to absorb nutrients properly, including vitamin A, which the eyes need to function in low light conditions.

Celiac disease may not cause symptoms in some people. However, people with the condition may report history of frequent, loose, watery stools; pale, foul-smelling, bulky stools; abdominal pain, gas and bloating; weight loss; fatigue; canker sores; muscle cramps; delayed growth or short stature; bone and joint pain; seizures; painful skin rash; and infertility. In addition to physical symptoms, there may be emotional disturbances including feelings of anxiety and depression.

Celiac disease can also cause nightblindness. Trouble in the intestinal tract can mean the body does not absorb enough essential vitamin A (a key component of beta-carotene and the reason your mom told you that carrots would help you eye sight).  Therapeutic doses of vitamin A can help correct the problem.   The best form of vitamin A is known as palmitate, taken in a daily dose of 15,000 international units.

Learn more about natural treatments for celiac disease.

Night blindness can also be caused by other factors.  Learn more at our website.

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A recent article in Medscape Today reviews approaches to preventing and curing glaucoma (diseases that damage the optic nerve) through the employment of “neuroprotective agents.”   According to the article “neuroprotection aims to protect as yet undamaged, and to rescue already damaged neurons, from the glaucoma insult(s) to retinal ganglion cells.”

In addition to describing more traditional pharmaceutical options for fighting glaucoma, the review includes a discussion of several antioxidants including melatonin, Coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba.  Antioxidants, a more natural approach than the pharmaceuticals in the study, may be helpful neuroprotective agents.

Learn more about how to prevent and treat glaucoma naturally at our website.

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Antioxidants have been shown to help the body in yet another way: treating male infertility.

A new study published in the journal Human Fertility discusses how oxidative stress can be a major factor in male infertility.  Oxidation is the natural byproduct of metabolism; antioxidants help to clear away this cellular debris.

The research highlights the effectiveness of antioxidants found in carnitines, and vitamins C and E as well as glutathione, selenium and coenzyme Q10 when it comes to measurable positive outcomes – that is, pregnancy rates in the subjects’ partners.  http://www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNews.htm?NewsID=10573&Section=Vitamins

Men who start loading up on their antioxidants may find that their eye health improves as well.  For example, studies have shown that glutathione can help reduce the likelihood of developing age related eye diseases like macular degeneration.

Learn more about how to prevent and treat macular degeneration naturally.

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The best remedy doesn’t always come from the pharmacy.  In fact, it usually DOESN’T come from the pharmacy.

A new book called the Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies supports the belief that the best way to heal many illnesses is to look in your refrigerator, cabinets, or garden.  Source: http://www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNews.htm?NewsID=10568&Section=Nutrition

One common eye complaint that responds well to at-home treatments is dark circles under the eyes. Here are a few ideas:

• Tea Bag Treatment: Try applying a cold compress of rosemary tea to increase circulation, which helps reduce swelling around the eyes. Make tea by bringing a half-cup of fresh rosemary and a quart of water to a boil. Steep for 20 minutes, then strain and chill. Soak a washcloth in the tea, ring out extra liquid anal place over eyes for 15 to 20 minutes, once a day, as needed.
• Freeze some parsley in ice cubes. Use the parsley cubes instead of eye creams to diminish dark circles and puffiness. Parsley is packed with chlorophyll which helps fade darkness, while the ice cubes reduce the swelling.
• Apply a paste of turmeric powder with pineapple juice for dark circles under the eyes.

For more hints on getting rid of dark circles and puffy eyes, visit our website.

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An article in the New York Times highlights how many Americans are not making it to their annual eye exams – even those who know they are at risk of developing or have already developed an eye disease.  A study by Lighthouse International shows that 86% of people with known eye conditions do not make it to the eye doctor each year.

The article goes on to say “Those at risk include people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease, as well as anyone who has been a smoker or has a family history of an eye disorder like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.”  Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/21/health/21brody.html?_r=1&ref=health

Learn more about how to prevent eye disease naturally at www.naturaleyecare.com.

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In the formulas that I have created to support my patients’ and clients’ eye health I have included the herb ginseng because I know it helps improve heart and immune function.  It strengthens the immune system and is an excellent herb for overall health.  After all, the health of the eyes is inextricably connected to the health of the entire body.

A new study that appeared in The Cochrane Library revealed that some people may experience increased brain function when taking ginseng.  According to lead researcher JinSong Geng, M.D, “Ginseng appears to have some beneficial effects on cognition, behavior and quality of life.”  At the same time, the authors do not believe they have enough evidence to recommend people start taking the herb in therapeutic doses in hopes of improving brain health. Source: http://www.cfah.org/hbns/archives/getDocument.cfm?documentID=22336

We do know that it supports the health of the retina, however.  Diabetic Retinopathy, often a side effect of diabetes, can be helped by taking ginseng.

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A new clinical trial seeks to find alternative ways to treat glaucoma, specifically investigating how to help those who’ve been told that no more can be done.  This trial is operating under the hyopothesis that “state-of-the-art low vision aids in patients with advanced glaucomatous visual loss will provide an improvement in visual tasks and thereby an improvement in quality of life.”  Researchers want to study how low vision rehabilitation can help those suffering from glaucoma.  Source: http://clinicaltrialsfeeds.org/clinical-trials/show/NCT01262209

We believe that is is possible to both prevent and treat glaucoma naturally.  Visit our website for tips and information on dealing with glaucoma.

The Vision Council recently published Eye Safety At-a-Glance: Protecting Your Vision at Work.

Almost 2000 Americans suffer eye injuries in the course of each work day.  This study focuses on the importance of using safety eye wear and having emergency eyewash stations available.  Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/210816.php

One thing that the study does not mention is the importance of protecting your eyes not from projectiles or chemicals but from computer eye strain.

So many of us spend our days starting at computer screens and this activity can lead to eye fatigue, headaches, and even glaucoma.

Learn about how to prevent and treat computer eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, at our website.

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Researchers in China say studies in rats indicate substances in green tea may protect against eye diseases such as glaucoma. Scientists led by Chi Pui Pang of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Eye Hospital confirmed green tea substances — known for antioxidant and disease-fighting properties — were absorbed in the lens, retina and other eye tissue.

The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, suggested until now it was not known if green tea substances actually passed from the gastrointestinal tract into eye tissue. The researchers analyzed the eye tissue of laboratory rats that drank green tea and found several “catechins” in green tea that contain antioxidants – including vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin — were absorbed by the eye in significant amounts. The researchers said green tea catechins reduced harmful oxidative stress in the eye for up to 20 hours.

“Our results indicate that green tea consumption could benefit the eye against oxidative stress,” the study researchers said in a statement. Reported in April, 2010 ACS’ bi-weekly Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Editor’s Note: Catechins such as those found in green tea are among a number of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin, thought to help protect the delicate tissues of the eye from glaucoma and other eye ailments.

Learn more about how to prevent and treat glaucoma naturally.