Dr. Grossman’s Blog

image via medline plus

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.

image via fbi.gov

The after-effects of a stroke can be devastating. Among the problems experienced by stroke patients are vision issues, which often go undetected when communication abilities are compromised or because patients do not associate new eye problems with the stroke.

Stroke patients are likely to experience visual field loss when the pathways that deliver information from eyes to brain are damaged.  New research published in the International Journal of Stroke also shows that stroke patients also can suffer from problems with eye movement when the relevant nerves are compromised.

Researchers recommend eye exercises to strengthen the eye muscles of stroke victims, especially to those who develop problems with reading. Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/210028.php

For a free guide to eye exercises that can help strength everyone’s eyes, please visit our website.

image via nassaucountyny.gov

The European Commission is standing behind the claims that omega-3s help infants’ brain and vision development. The claims relate to both intake by the mother during pregnancy and lactation as well as directly by the baby.

The statements relate to specific compounds found in the fatty acids:

• ALA contributes to the brain development of children
• DHA has a structural and functional role in the retina and DHA intake contributes to the visual development of infants up to 12 months of age
• DHA has a structural and functional role in the retina and maternal DHA intake contributes to the normal development of the eye of the foetus and breastfed infants
• DHA has a structural and functional role in the brain and maternal DHA intake contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants

Source: http://www.nutraingredients.com/Regulation/EC-to-confirm-infant-and-child-omega-3-claims

Not all fish oil is created equal, so consider your choices and be sure to go with a quality product.  The Natural Eye Care Vision Store has many products you can trust.

image via ods.od.nih.gov

Healthy fats are essential to eye health, and are especially important to the prevention and treatment of macular degeneration.

A study published in the Journal of Lipids Research looked into the roles played by both long chain and very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs and VLC-PUFAs), both of which are naturally present in the eyes.  There are not a lot of VLC-PUFAs in the eyes, and they have not received a lot of scientific attention, but this study focused on the important role they play in eye health.

Researchers concluded that a lack of either LC-PUFAs and VLC-PUFAs can lead to macular degeneration.  Source: http://www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNews.htm?NewsID=10473&Section=Aging

Fish oil is the key source of these compounds.

Learn more about how to prevent macular degeneration naturally.

image via dot.state.ak.us

A new study shows that “perceptual training” can improve vision in older adults.

A study of people over 65 published in the Journal of Vision shows that after undergoing two days of training older adults performed as well on visual processing tests as college aged students.  The participants were able to maintain this higher level of functioning for up to three months.

Researchers say that this shows “a high degree of brain plasticity among the elderly and suggest that this technique is useful for recovering from declines in vision due to normal aging.”  They went on to correlate such improvement in visual abilities with improved safety and quality of life, specifically related to automobile driving. Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/209056.php

Visit this site for free eye exercises related to a number of eye conditions.

image by Charlie Cravero

The compounds found in bilberries, blueberries, and huckleberries are key to preventing and treating Poor Night Vision, Glaucoma, Myopia , Macular Degeneration , Diabetic Retinopathy , Cataracts , and Computer Eye Syndrome.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is now certifying the amount organic acids available in in dietary supplements formulated with Vaccinium berries, including blueberries and bilberries.   These new standards can help consumers buy products made of the berries that they advertise, rather than diluting them with less expensive juices.  Source:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101110113044.htm

image via www.healthfinder.gov

Uveal melanoma is the most common type of eye cancer.  A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine describes how researchers have identified a specific oncogene (a cell that can mutate and turn a normal cell into a cancer cell) that may be related to the development of this specific cancer.  This gene was present in more than 40% of the sample tumor tissue used in the study.

This, and other genetics level research, can help scientists better understand how specific cancers work so that better therapies and treatments can be devised.  About 1500 American are diagnosed with cancer of the eye each year.

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/208453.php

Learn about how to prevent eye disease with our Prevention Protocol.

nih.gov

Leafy greens are a vital source of two compounds vital to eye health: lutein and zeaxanthin.  Both of these cartenoids are powerful antioxidants that help prevent diseases like macular degeneration.

A new study funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture aims to boost the safety and quality of field-grown organic leafy greens.

The project involves finding a way to use plant based materials to line the bags that greens are sold in with a hope of reducing or eliminating bacterial outbreaks like salmonella and E. coli.  Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/207722.php

Learn more about foods can protect your eyes and promote health.

Prevent macular degeneration naturally with these tips.

Image via cdc.gov

The long-term use of topical antiglaucoma drugs can have an effect on the sensitivity of the macula (light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye).  Authors of this study published in The Annals of Ophthalmology recommend periodic evaluation of the macula for all patients receiving antiglaucomatous agents.  Source: http://www.springerlink.com/content/ep44p6q88p227518/

Rather than taking prescription medication to manage glaucoma, consider taking a natural approach to glaucoma treatment and prevention.