Dr. Grossman’s Blog

In addition to removing a cataract, cataract surgery can also lower eye pressure.  Eye pressure or intraocular pressure is often (but not always) associated with the development of glaucoma.

A study presented at the American Glaucoma Society meeting explains how patients who had ocular hypertension before cataracts surgery exhibited a marked decrease in eye pressure after the procedure. Their pressure readings decreased by 18%.  They were not taking any medication to lower their eye pressure.  Source: OSN Super Site

It is possible to avoid what has become the most common surgery in the US – cataract removal – through a combination of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes.  Learn more about how to prevent cataracts naturally. Fighting free radicals by boosting you antioxidant intake is a great place to start.

You can also learn more about how to prevent glaucoma by reading up on other studies on our glaucoma research pages.

In my practice and at NaturalEyeCare.com we know that the eyes are the windows to the soul and windows that reveal the state of your overall health.

A new story over at Yahoo Health lists 14 different conditions that can be recognized by looking into your eyes.

The list includes Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Computer Eyestrain. Red, burning eyes as well as blurred vision, dizziness, and trouble concentrating are all signs of eyestrain from excessive computer use.  Visit our pages on computer eyestrain for tips on how to prevent and treat it.

Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids, also made this list because they say it can be linked to acne rosacea.  Inflammed eyelids can also be a sign of allergies and sensitivities to foods or the environment.  It can even be a reaction to certain prescription or over the counter drugs – see more on drugs that harm the eyes.

Dry eyes are the most common complaint brought to eye doctors.  They can be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes (especially when the blood sugar is up), asthma, thyroid disease (lower lid does not move when blinking), lupus, and possibly glaucoma.  Dry Eye Syndrome itself can be treated with several natural remedies.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month.  It is vital that people understand that glaucoma is called the “silent thief” because one can have the disease without knowing it.  By the time people notice symptoms, the disease has already progressed significantly.

At Natural Eye Care we are dedicated to offering people solutions that help them to prevent glaucoma and deal with a glaucoma diagnosis.  Learn more about to treat glaucoma naturally with the help of diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and supplements at our website.

Glaucoma can also be a congenital condition that strikes children.  The newly launched Congenital Glaucoma Network offers a forum for those affected by congenital glaucoma to share stories and offer support.

The signs of congenital glaucoma as described by the Congenital Glaucoma Network:

~Corneal edema & haze

~Nausea or headaches

~Light sensitivity (photophobia)

~Excessive blinking (blepharospasm)

~Crossed or out-turned eyes (strabismus)

~Ocular enlargement (buphthalmos)

~Excessive tearing (epiphora)

~Decreased vision (amblyopia)

Image via cdc.gov

Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief” because most individuals with undiagnosed glaucoma do not notice any symptoms until they are aware ofa reduction in their peripheral vision. Technically, glaucoma is due to damage to the optic nerve, sometimes as a result of increased pressure of the aqueous humor -  the clear, watery fluid that circulates in the chamber of the eye between the cornea and the lens.

Stress has been determined to be a major cause of chronic glaucoma. Stress causes us to breathe shallowly, which reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, causing venous backflow in the head. This process effects the eyes’ ability to revolve ocular fluids, which in turn increases eye pressure. Although we do not know exactly how the optic nerve is damaged in glaucoma, one common factor in all cases of glaucoma is a lack of blood flow to the retina and optic nerve. This lack of blood flow results in retinal nerve cell death, enlargement of the optic cup, and an eventual loss of vision.

Here are a few suggestions for those who are trying to reduce stress in their lives:

• Exercise regularly
• Take walks in nature
• Practice yoga or tai chi
• Engage in prayer or meditation daily

For more on how to prevent glaucoma naturally, please visit our website.

New examinations of the optic nerve of mice have yielded new insight into the development of glaucoma. Scientists better understand both the cellular and molecular structure of this part of the eye, a discovery that will pave the way for a better understanding of the human eye.  This breakthrough should hasten the development of new therapies that will help to combat the potentially devastating effects of glaucoma.

Researchers discovered a unique class of cells called astrocytes that seem to play an integral role in the development of glaucoma.  They also learned more about a certain protein called gamma synuclein; abnormalities in this protein can result in eye disease.  Another exciting discovery, which may influence the way science looks at a number of neurodegenerative diseases, involves the way that neurons clear away debris from the optic nerve.  Essentially, the cells’ failure to clean up after themselves can lead to their own demise. (Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/212650.php)

Visit our website to learn more about how to prevent and treat glaucoma naturally.

image by ars.usda.gov

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.

image via womenshealth.gov

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.

image via www.epa.gov

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.

image via health.nih.go

One risk factor for glaucoma is central corneal thickness.

Researchers looking at ethnic populations in Singapore have identified the genes that affect collagen growth, which in turn affects central corneal thickness.  Knowing how these specific genes work can help provide insight into the cause and progression of glaucoma.

Source: http://hmg.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2010/11/23/hmg.ddq511.abstract

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

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