Dr. Grossman’s Blog

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Studies have established that elderly people with age related macular degeneration are more likely to experience strokes. A new study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2011 is the first to determine the type of stroke that people with AMD are likely to suffer.

Researchers looked at two kinds of strokes: those caused by brain hemorrhage (aka a “bleeding stroke”) and those caused by brain infarction (a blood clot).

Macular degeneration is associated with brain hemorrhages rather than brain infarction.

Scientists involved with the study urge AMD patients not to worry that they will inevitably experience hemorrhaging in the brain.  They state that more research is necessary.  One doctor speculates that AMD does not cause bleeding stokes.  Instead, the two medical conditions may stem from a common cause.  Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/216090.php

Learn about how to prevent and even reverse macular degeneration.

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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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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 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

A study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology shows that people with a body mass index of less than 25 are less likely than their peers to develop macular degeneration.  Daily exercise also helped keep the eye disease in check.  Over the course of the four year study patients who participated in vigorous exercise at least three times per week reduced the chance that the disease would worsen by 25%.

Source: http://www.naturaleyecare.com/study.asp?s_num=167

For more research on macular degeneration, visit our website.

To learn more about how to prevent and treat macular degeneration naturally, visit this page.

via minorityhealth.hhs.gov

Age is a major factor in the development of potentially debilitating eye conditions such as macular degeneration, but there are risk factors for the disease that one can control.  The two major contributors to the development of macular degeneration that you can avoid: smoking and fat intake.

The good news related to smoking and the development of macular degeneration is that you can cut your risk significantly if you quit (unlike some diseases where a past history of smoking is as bad a being a current smoker).  It’s another good incentive to kick the habit.

Regular intake of both animal and vegetable fats (including trans fats and hydrogenated fats) can make one twice as susceptible to macular degeneration.  It is important to focus on the good fats like those found in essential fatty acids.

For further information on how to prevent and treat macular degeneration naturally, visit our website.

via usda.gov

Macular Degeneration (ARMD-Aged Related Macular Degeneration) is the slow deterioration of the cells in the macula, a tiny yellowish area near the center of the retina where vision is the most precise, that affects the central vision. There is a common misconception that blindness is inevitable for those with macular degeneration, but there are a number of nutrients and supplements that can support the eyes and promote natural healing.

Research shows that the amino acid taurine has the ability to prevent, treat and stabilize retinal changes in some cases. Eggs and fish are good sources of taurine, but you can also take it in supplement form.
An important note: taurine should be taken on an empty stomach.

Even more important are the cartenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are primarily obtained from dark green leafy vegetables. Research shows that risk of AMD was significantly lower in those who increased the cartenoids in their diet – up to 43%. So, eat your spinach and your kale and your collards and consider supplementing your diet further to really protect yourself from macular degeneration.

Visit our page on macular degeneration to learn about other nutrients and compounds that can support your eye health.

Also, learn more about the nutrients available in your food at this page.

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A study published in the Nutrition Journal sought to find how walnuts can increase the plasma antioxidant capacity of healthy adults.  Study authors did not find any measurable increases, but they believe that further study is warranted.

They did find that levels of important compounds, the fatty acid linoleic acid and pyridoxal phosphate (vitamin B6), did increase over the course of the 19 week study.

Source: http://www.nutritionj.com/content/9/1/21

Antioxidants are a key to eye health. They combat free radials that cause such eye diseases, particularly macular degneration and cataracts.

Image courtesy of usa.gov

After a year long study, researchers from Boston University School of Medicine and the VA Boston Healthcare System have found no differences between the two major macular degeneration drugs.  A survey of the drugs sold as Avastin and Lucentis showed that neither was more effective than the other when it comes to treating wet macular degeneration.  According the source of this story, Medical News Today, “Lucenitis costs approximately $2000.00 per injection, while Avastin costs approximately $50.00 per injection.”

We advocate natural approaches to eye disease prevention and treatment.  To control and fight eye diseases like macular degeneration, consider your diet and cut back on caffeine and soda; evaluate your lifestyle (cease smoking, avoid alcohol); exercise regularly; and manage stress effectively.  Certain nutrients such as omega-3 fish oil and CoQ10 with L-Carnitine may help slow down macular degeneration and preserve vision.

Please visit our website to learn about way to treat macular degeneration naturally and tips on self-help for macular degeneration sufferers and those who’d like to prevent the disease.

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There’s another piece of evidence that suggests moderate drinking – one or two alcoholic beverages each day – can be beneficial for the eyes.

A study of over 3,600 Australians found that when the figures were adjusted to account for other factors (including age, smoking, and diabetes), people who had one or two drinks each day were 50% less likely to have cataract surgery.  The moderate drinkers were less likely to require surgery for cataracts than counterparts who drank more as well as those who did not drink at all.

Source: http://www.osnsupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=70524

Studies suggest that the resveratrol in one glass of red wine per day can help prevent macular degeneration.